bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of injection settings on gaseous emissions and particle size distribution in the dual-mode dual-fuel concept
Authors: Bermúdez Vicente , Macián Vicente , Villalta David , Soto Lian
Published: April 2019

Reactivity controlled compression ignition concept has been highlighted among the low temperature combustion strategies. However, this combustion strategy presents some problems related to high levels of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions at low load and high-pressure rise rate at high load. Therefore, to diminish these limitations, the dual-mode dual-fuel concept has been presented as an excellent alternative. This concept uses two fuels of different reactivity and switches from a dual-fuel fully premixed strategy (based on the reactivity controlled compression ignition concept) during low load to a diffusive nature during high load operation. However, the success of dual-mode dual-fuel concept depends to a large extent on the low reactivity/high reactivity fuel ratio and the injection settings. In this study, parametric variations of injection pressure and injection timing were experimentally performed to analyze the effect over each combustion process that encompasses the dual-mode dual-fuel concept and its consequent impact on gaseous and particles emissions, including an analysis of particle size distribution. The experimental results confirm how the use of an adequate injection strategy is indispensable to obtain low exhaust emission and a balance between the different pollutants. In the fully premixed reactivity controlled compression ignition strategy, the particles concentrations were dominated by nucleation mode; however, the increase in injection pressure and the advance of the diesel main injection timing provided a simultaneous reduction of nitrogen oxide and solid particles (accumulation mode). During the highly premixed reactivity controlled compression ignition strategy, the accumulation-mode particles increased, and their concentrations were higher when the diesel main injection timing advanced and injection pressure decreased, as well as there was a slight increase in nitrogen oxide emissions. Finally, in the dual-fuel diffusion strategy, the concentrations of accumulation-mode particles were higher and there was a considerable increase of these particles with the advance of the diesel main injection timing and the reduction of the injection pressure, while the nitrogen oxide emissions decreased.
How social workers understand and use their emotions in practice: A thematic synthesis literature review
Authors: O’Connor Louise
Published: April 2019

Emotions are intrinsic to social work. Social workers engage with people at points of crisis or need. The emotions of both practitioners and the people they interact with are central to the lived experience of practice. This paper presents a thematic synthesis of empirical studies which illuminate how social workers understand and use their emotions in practice. A search of electronic databases and reference harvesting located 28 papers which were screened against inclusion criteria and appraisal tools. Four analytic themes were identified: emotions as a dynamic relational resource; patterns of organisational and professional relationships; ambivalence, dissonance and distance and the place of emotions in professionalism and identity. Patterns and themes were found in diverse settings. This review brings together a small but valuable knowledge base. Findings suggest that emotions constitute a paradox for social work and are potentially a constructive resource. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research into the situated emotions of social work practice.
Insulin resistance: Impact on therapeutic developments in diabetes
Authors: Bailey Clifford J
Published: April 2019

Insulin resistance has a broad pathogenic impact affecting metabolic, cardio-renal and other disease areas. Extensive studies to dissect the mechanisms of insulin resistance have provided valuable insights to shape current clinical awareness and advance therapeutic practice. However, the development of direct interventions against insulin resistance has been hindered by its complex and highly variable presentations, especially in type 2 diabetes. Among glucose-lowering agents, metformin and thiazolidinediones provide cellular actions that counter some effects of insulin resistance: reduced glucotoxicity and weight-lowering with antidiabetic therapies also improve insulin action, except that endogenously- or exogenously-created hyperinsulinaemia may partially compromise these benefits. Increasing awareness of the pervasiveness and damaging ramifications of insulin resistance heightens the need for more specifically targeted and more effective therapies.
Developing Methods That Facilitate Coding and Analysis of Synchronous Conversations via Virtual Environments
Authors: Lewinski Allison A. , Anderson Ruth A. , Vorderstrasse Allison A. , Johnson Constance M.
Published: April 2019

Programs via the Internet are uniquely positioned to capture qualitative data. One reason is because the Internet facilitates the creation of a community of similar individuals who can exchange information and support related to living with a chronic illness. Synchronous conversations via the Internet can provide insight into real-time social interaction and the exchange of social support. One way to analyze interactions among individuals is by using qualitative methods such as content, conversation, or discourse analysis. This manuscript describes how we used content analysis with aspects from conversation and discourse analysis to analyze synchronous conversations via the Internet to describe what individuals talk about and how individuals talk in an Internet-mediated interaction. With the increase in Internet interventions that facilitate collection of real-time conversational data, this article provides insight into how combining qualitative methods can facilitate the coding and analysis of these complex data.
Underwater navigation using visual markers in the context of intervention missions
Authors: Chavez Arturo Gomez , Mueller Christian A , Doernbach Tobias , Birk Andreas
Published: April 2019

Intervention missions, that is, underwater manipulation tasks, for example, in the context of oil-&-gas production, require a high amount of precise, robust navigation. In this article, we describe the use of an advanced vision system suited for deep-sea operations, which in combination with artificial markers on target structures like oil-&-gas production-Christmas-trees significantly boosts navigation performance. The system is validated in two intensive field tests running off the shore of Marseille, France. In the experiments, a commercial remotely operated vehicle equipped with the system and a mock-up structure with an oil-&-gas production panel is used to evaluate the navigation performance.
Longitudinal cortical network reorganization in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fleischer Vinzenz , Koirala Nabin , Droby Amgad , Gracien René-Maxime , Deichmann Ralf , Ziemann Ulf , Meuth Sven G. , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Zipp Frauke , Groppa Sergiu
Published: April 2019

Background:

Network science provides powerful access to essential organizational principles of the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal evolution of gray matter networks in early relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) compared with healthy controls (HCs) and contrast network dynamics with conventional atrophy measurements.

Methods:

For our longitudinal study, we investigated structural cortical networks over 1 year derived from 3T MRI in 203 individuals (92 early RRMS patients with mean disease duration of 12.1 ± 14.5 months and 101 HCs). Brain networks were computed based on cortical thickness inter-regional correlations and fed into graph theoretical analysis. Network connectivity measures (modularity, clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and transitivity) were compared between patients and HCs, and between patients with and without disease activity. Moreover, we calculated longitudinal brain volume changes and cortical atrophy patterns.

Results:

Our analyses revealed strengthening of local network properties shown by increased modularity, clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and transitivity over time. These network dynamics were not detectable in the cortex of HCs over the same period and occurred independently of patients’ disease activity. Most notably, the described network reorganization was evident beyond detectable atrophy as characterized by conventional morphometric methods.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our findings provide evidence for gray matter network reorganization subsequent to clinical disease manifestation in patients with early RRMS. An adaptive cortical response with increased local network characteristics favoring network segregation could play a primordial role for maintaining brain function in response to neuroinflammation.
Syndesmotic Screw Removal in a Clinic Setting Is Safe and Cost-effective
Authors: Sugi Michelle T. , Ortega Brandon , Shepherd Lane , Zalavras Charalampos
Published: April 2019

Background. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the necessity of syndesmotic screw removal, but the majority of surgeons prefer screw removal in the operating room. Purpose. The aim of this study is to analyze the safety and cost-effectiveness of syndesmotic screw removal in the clinic. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed on all acute, traumatic ankle fractures that required syndesmotic stabilization over 5 years at a level 1 trauma center. Radiographs were evaluated for maintenance of syndesmotic reduction. Orthopaedic clinic visits and operating room costs were calculated. Results. Of 269 patients, syndesmotic screws were successfully removed in the clinic in 170 patients and retained in 99 patients. Two superficial infections (1.2%) developed following screw removal. The superficial infection rate was 3.3% (2 of 60) in patients who did not receive antibiotics compared with 0% (0 of 110) in patients who received antibiotics (P = .12). No patient lost syndesmotic reduction after screw removal. Cost savings of $13 829 per patient were achieved by syndesmotic screw removal in the clinic. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that syndesmotic screw removal in the clinic is safe, does not result in tibiofibular diastasis, is cost-effective, and results in substantial financial savings.

Level of Evidence: Level IV
What Might Have Been: Near Miss Experiences and Adjustment to a Terrorist Attack
Authors: Poulin Michael J. , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: April 2019

Near miss experiences—narrowly avoiding a traumatic event—are associated with distress, despite signaling good fortune. For some, near miss experiences call to mind those who, unlike oneself, were directly affected by the event, leading to “survivor guilt” or distress over one’s comparative good fortune. Survivor guilt, in turn, may function as upward counterfactual thinking about others’ negative outcomes, leading to intrusive thoughts and post-traumatic stress. We compared individuals who did or did not report a near miss with respect to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks—that is, almost being directly affected—in a national longitudinal study ( N = 1,433). Near miss experiences predicted higher levels of reexperiencing symptoms and probable post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as maintenance of reexperiencing symptoms over the next 3 years. These associations were partially accounted for by survivor guilt. Near misses may be associated with distress in part because they entail reflection on negative outcomes for others.
Detection of recurrent brain tumors in children: No significant difference in sensitivity between unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Bouzidi Yasmina , Barteau Emmanuel , Lejeune Julien , Dejobert Maelle , Gravellier Bastien , Sirinelli Dominique , Cottier Jean Philippe , Morel Baptiste
Published: April 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a gadolinium injection is currently used in the follow-up of children in remission of cerebral tumors (CTs). Intracerebral gadolinium deposition has been recently reported with unknown risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of unenhanced brain MRI (U-MRI) in detection of tumor recurrence.

Methods and materials

A set of 58 U-MRIs of children in remission was retrospectively evaluated by three seniors (a neuroradiologist, a pediatric and a general radiologist) and one junior to look for any recurrence. Clinical, tumoral and imaging data were collected. The final diagnosis was anatomopathological when available, or the clinicoradiological evolution. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and interobserver agreement were calculated. A Fisher test and Fleiss kappa coefficient were performed.

Results

For the seniors, the U-MRI had a sensitivity of 81% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.90), and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 82% (95% CI: 0.63–0.94). The U-MRI sensitivity, regardless of the observer, was not significantly different from the contrast-enhanced MRI sensitivity (86%) according to a Fisher test ( p > 0.05). No significant difference in sensitivity within the subgroups was found. The interobserver agreement of seniors was good (κ = 0.68).

Conclusion

U-MRI brain was suboptimal for 80% of patients. Three-dimensional millimetric, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and diffusion would constitute helpful sequences in follow-up. Further specific studies depending on each tumor type are still required to determine whether a potential abstention of gadolinium intravenous injection should be discussed for children.
Risk stratification in normotensive acute pulmonary embolism patients: focus on the intermediate–high risk subgroup
Authors: Santos Ana Rita , Freitas Pedro , Ferreira Jorge , Oliveira Afonso , Gonçalves Mariana , Faria Daniel , Bicho Augusto João , Simões Joana , Santos Ana , Gago Miguel , Oliveira João , Antunes Ricardo Mamede , Correia David , Lynce Ana , Brito João , Morais Carlos , Campos Luís , Mendes Miguel
Published: April 2019

Background:

Patients with acute pulmonary embolism are at intermediate–high risk in the presence of imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction plus one or more elevated cardiac biomarker. We hypothesised that intermediate–high risk patients with two elevated cardiac biomarkers and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction have a worse prognosis than those with one cardiac biomarker and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction.

Methods:

We analysed the cumulative presence of cardiac biomarkers and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction in 525 patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism (intermediate-high risk = 237) presenting at the emergency department in two centres. Studied endpoints were composites of all-cause mortality and/or rescue thrombolysis at 30 days (primary endpoint; n=58) and pulmonary embolism-related mortality and/or rescue thrombolysis at 30 days (secondary endpoint; n=40).

Results:

Patients who experienced the primary endpoint showed a higher proportion of elevated troponin (47% vs. 76%, P<0.001), elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (67% vs. 93%, P<0.001) and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction (47% vs. 80%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (hazard ratio (HR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–10.3; P=0.015) and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.2; P=0.001) as independent predictors of events. In the intermediate–high risk group, patients with two cardiac biomarkers performed worse than those with one cardiac biomarker (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.8–6.2; P=0.003).

Conclusions:

Risk stratification in normotensive pulmonary embolism should consider the cumulative presence of cardiac biomarkers and imaging signs of right ventricular dysfunction, especially in the intermediate–high risk subgroup.
Effects of mass loading on the viability of assessing the state of healing of a fixated fractured long bone
Authors: Chiu WK , Ong WH , Russ M , Tran T , Fitzgerald M
Published: April 2019

Introduction

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of mass loading on the healing assessment of an internally fixated femur by vibrational means. The presence of soft tissue surrounding a femur increases damping and mass of a system, and hence affects the vibrational response of a mechanical structure by obscuring the coherent modes. This may compromise vibration-based monitoring strategies in identifying modes associated with fracture healing.

Methods

This paper presents a series of experimental works to address this issue. Two osteotomised composite femurs were internally fixated using a plate-screw system and an intramedullary nail. Soft tissue is approximated by surrounding an artificial Sawbone femur with modelling clay. The femur is excited by an instrumented impact hammer and instrumented with two accelerometers to record bending and torsion modes between 0 and 600 Hz. A 30-min epoxy was applied to simulate the healing of the fractured femur in the osteotomised region. The resonant frequencies and its modes are monitored while union is being formed and a healing index is calculated at various times to quantify the degree of healing.

Results

The results demonstrate that the effect of modelling clay compressed the natural modes along the frequency axis. It is observed that frequency bandwidth in the vicinity of 150 Hz and 500 Hz is sensitive to the state of healing of the fixated femurs, which is due to the increase in stiffness of the osteotomised region. These findings were used to formulate the healing index which assists in identifying the initial, later and complete healing stages in conjunction with the index derivative.

Conclusion

In this study, a two-sensor measurement strategy to quantify fixated femur healing is investigated. It is shown that the mass loading effect did not affect this vibrational analysis method ability to assess the state of healing, and both coherent bending and twisting modes associated with healing were easily identified. The proposed healing index, its derivative, and the cross-spectra are a viable tool for quantitative healing assessment.
Balance, Health, and Workplace Safety: Experiences of New Nurses in the Context of Total Worker Health
Authors: Oneal Gail , Graves Janessa M. , Diede Tullamora , Postma Julie , Barbosa-Leiker Celestina , Butterfield Patricia
Published: April 2019

Transitioning into independent professional practice may be a difficult and trying process for newly licensed nurses, who may be at risk for burnout and quitting their jobs. Issues related to new nurses’ well-being at work may also impact their personal lives. Using thematic analysis within the framework of Total Worker Health, this study examined factors related to the overall work, safety, and health of newly licensed nurses that should be addressed in work environments to promote well-being and prevent burnout and attrition. The main component of Total Worker Health is to find and understand the relevant issues that lead to safety and health risks in the workplace and affect workers’ well-being at work and home. The overarching concept of Balance between Work and Life included three main themes: Health, Work Environment, and Learning to Be (a nurse). These themes with their subthemes described the difficulties participants had in balancing the complex interactions of work conditions and social life changes during the transition from student to professional nurse. Participants identified new physical health problems, mental health challenges, physical violence, lack of support structures at work, and alterations in family and friend relationships. However, they also developed protective factors from new connections with coworkers. These findings showed that new nurses are vulnerable to many factors at home and work that affect well-being and may lead to burnout and attrition. Implications include interventions at work that focus on health promotion, group support, and safety risk prevention through occupational nurse management.
Effect of Whitening Toothpastes on Extrinsic Dental Stains
Authors: Shobana G.  , Muthu Karuppaiah R.  , Garla Bharath Kumar , Taranath M.  , Palanivel Pandian R.
Published: April 2019

Aim and objectives:

To compare the effectiveness of the stain removing property of the whitening toothpastes (silica [Colgate Visible White], silica, papain and bromelain [Whitospark], and silica and calcium carbonate [Snowdent] containing toothpastes) on extrinsic dental stains and to assess the lasting of tooth whitening effect produced by the whitening toothpastes.

Materials and methods:

It is a randomized, concurrent parallel arm, non-invasive, controlled trial designed to compare the effectiveness of the whitening toothpastes on reducing extrinsic dental stains. Parametric t-test was used.

Results:

A statistically significant difference can be seen between Groups A and B, Groups B and C, and Groups B and D. Maximum mean and percentage reduction was found in Group B at the end of the second month in stain extent and intensity. A statistically significant difference was seen between subgroups B1 and B2. Maximum mean and percentage reduction was found in subgroup B1 at the end of the fourth month in stain extent and intensity.

Conclusion:

Silica, papain, and bromelain containing toothpastes (Whitospark) show effectiveness on reducing extrinsic dental stains.
Informal Caregiving in a Medically Underserved Community: Challenges, Construction of Meaning, and the Caregiver–Recipient Dyad
Authors: Gorawara-Bhat Rita , Graupner Jeffrey , Molony Jason , Thompson Katherine
Published: April 2019

Little is known about informal caregivers' challenges in medically underserved communities. This qualitative study explores their perceptions/experiences of caregiving in a medically underserved community in Midwest United States. Two focus groups ( n = 12) were conducted and themes were extracted and analyzed. Theme 1 included perceived barriers/unmet needs; most prevalent of which were lack of informational resources and support groups. A second unsolicited and unanticipated theme highlighted how caregivers constructed meaning through reappraising challenges to create enriching experiences for themselves, reinforcing their evolving dyadic relationship with care-recipient. Challenging and enriching aspects of caregiving coexisted and were rooted in caregiver–care-recipient dyad. Caregivers used meaning-making as a coping strategy for challenges. Prior research corroborates caregivers' challenges and meaning-making; this study contributes by delineating how both become interrelated. Policy makers can (a) alleviate challenges by increasing informational resources and support groups and (b) provide training to optimize caregivers' meaning-making, thus enhancing their positive experiences.
Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 triggers adenosine-mediated NETosis and TNF production in patients with DADA2
Authors: Carmona-Rivera Carmelo , Khaznadar Sami S. , Shwin Kyawt W. , Irizarry-Caro Jorge A. , O’Neil Liam J. , Liu Yudong , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Ombrello Amanda K. , Stone Deborah L. , Tsai Wanxia L. , Kastner Daniel L. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kaplan Mariana J. , Grayson Peter C.
Published: April 2019

Reduction of adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) activity due to autosomal-recessive loss-of-function mutations in the ADA2 gene (previously known as CECR1) results in a systemic vasculitis known as deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2). Neutrophils and a subset of neutrophils known as low-density granulocytes (LDGs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, at least in part, through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The study objective was to determine whether neutrophils and NETs play a pathogenic role in DADA2. In vivo evidence demonstrated NETs and macrophages in affected gastrointestinal tissue from patients with DADA2. An abundance of circulating LDGs prone to spontaneous NET formation was observed during active disease in DADA2 and were significantly reduced after remission induction by anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Increased circulating LDGs were identified in unaffected family members with monoallelic ADA2 mutations. Adenosine triggered NET formation, particularly in neutrophils from female patients, by engaging A1 and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs) and through reactive oxygen species– and peptidylarginine deiminase–dependent pathways. Adenosine-induced NET formation was inhibited by recombinant ADA2, A1/A3 AR antagonists, or by an A2A agonist. M1 macrophages incubated with NETs derived from patients with DADA2 released significantly greater amounts of TNF-α. Treatment with an A2AAR agonist decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines in DADA2 monocyte-derived macrophages. These results suggest that neutrophils may play a pathogenic role in DADA2. Modulation of adenosine-mediated NET formation may contribute a novel and directed therapeutic approach in the treatment of DADA2 and potentially other inflammatory diseases.
Inhibition of microRNA-103a inhibits the activation of astrocytes in hippocampus tissues and improves the pathological injury of neurons of epilepsy rats by regulating BDNF
Authors: Zheng Ping , Bin He , Chen Wei
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of microRNA-103a (miR-103a) on astrocytes activation and hippocampal neuron injury in epilepsy rats by targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Methods

The epilepsy rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride-pilocarpine. Successful modeled rats were intralateroventricularly microinjected with miR-103a inhibitors, inhibitors negative control (NC), siRNA-NC and BDNF-siRNA, respectively. The RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of miR-103a, BDNF and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in hippocampus tissues of rats. TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. The RT-PCR and ELISA was used to detect the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in hippocampal tissues and in serum, respectively.

Results

Increased expression of miR-103a, GFAP, and number of apoptotic neurons, decreased expression of BDNF and number of surviving neurons were found in hippocampus tissues of epilepsy rats. After miR-103a inhibitors interfered with epilepsy rats, there showed decreased expression of miR-103a and GFAP, increased expression of BDNF and decreased number of apoptotic neuron as well as increased number of surviving neurons. Compared with miR-103a inhibitors alone, epilepsy rats treated with BDNF-siRNA combined with miR-103a inhibitors significantly increased expression of GFAP in hippocampal tissues of epilepsy rats, increased number of apoptotic neurons and significantly decreased the number of surviving neurons.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that the inhibition of miR-103a can inhibit the activation of astrocytes in hippocampus tissues and improve the pathological injury of neurons of epilepsy rats by regulating BDNF gene.
Diaphragm thickening in cardiac surgery: a perioperative prospective ultrasound study
Authors: Moury Pierre-Henri , Cuisinier Adrien , Durand Michel , Bosson Jean-Luc , Chavanon Olivier , Payen Jean-François , Jaber Samir , Albaladejo Pierre
Published: April 2019

Background

Diaphragm paresis is common after cardiac surgery and may delay the weaning from the ventilator. Our objective was to evaluate diaphragm thickening during weaning and secondly the muscle thickness as a marker of myotrauma.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were prospectively included. Ultrasonic index of right hemidiaphragm thickening fraction (TF) was measured as a surrogate criterion of work of breathing. A TF < 20% was defined as a low diaphragm thickening. Measurements of TF were performed during three periods to study diaphragm thickening evolution defined by the difference between two consecutive time line point: preoperative (D − 1), during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in the intensive care unit and postoperative (D + 1). We studied three patterns of diaphragm thickness at end expiration evolution from D − 1 to D + 1: > 10% decrease, stability and > 10% increase. Demographical data, length of surgery, type of surgery, ICU length of stay (LOS) and extubation failure were collected.

Results

Of the 100 consecutively included patients, 75 patients had a low diaphragm thickening during SBT. Compared to TF values at D − 1 (36% ± 18), TF was reduced during SBT (17% ± 14) and D + 1 (12% ± 11) (P < 0.0001). Thickness and TF did not change according to the type of surgery or cooling method. TF at SBT was correlated to the length of surgery (both r = − 0.4; P < 0.0001). Diaphragm thickness as continuous variable did not change over time. Twenty-eight patients (42%) had a > 10% decrease thickness, 19 patients (29%) stability and 19 patients (28%) in > 10% increase, and this thickness evolution pattern was associated with: a longer LOS 3 days [2–5] versus 2 days [2–4] and 2 days [2], respectively (ANOVA P = 0.046), and diaphragm thickening evolution (ANOVA P = 0.02). Two patients experience extubation failure.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that diaphragm thickening is frequently decreased after elective cardiac surgery without impact on respiratory outcome, whereas an altered thickness pattern was associated with a longer length of stay in the ICU. Contractile activity influenced thickness evolution.

Trial registry number ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT02208479
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in non-treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Kiebs Maximilian , Hurlemann René , Mutz Julian
Published: April 2019

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been investigated as treatment for major depressive episodes since the early 1990s. Using data from a recent meta-analysis, we show that most patients included in randomised trials display relatively high degrees of treatment resistance. This might have unfavourably biased the clinical reputation of rTMS.

Declaration of interests

M.K. has received a lecture fee from Innomed Medizintechnik in 2017 and 2018.
Commentary on… the overlapping and distinct resting functional connectivity between autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Mehra Chirag , Absoud Michael
Published: April 2019

Altered neural connectivity in neurodevelopmental disorders is likely subtle, meaning that neuroimaging literature studying development has produced heterogeneous findings. A recent study, published in this issue, illustrates the translational potential of functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging findings as a biomarker for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Importantly, it highlights the overlap between disorders, emphasising the need for transdiagnostic and dimensional approaches in neurodevelopment.

Declaration of interest

None.
Cord Blood Vitamin D Status Is Associated With Cord Blood Insulin and C-Peptide in Two Cohorts of Mother-Newborn Pairs
Authors: Switkowski Karen M , Camargo, Carlos A , Perron Patrice , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie-France
Published: April 2019

Context

Vitamin D may be important for prenatal programming of insulin and glucose regulation, but maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common.

Objective

We examined associations of early vitamin D status with markers of fetal insulin secretion: cord blood insulin and c-peptide. We hypothesized that maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during pregnancy and cord blood 25(OH)D would both be positively associated with cord blood insulin and c-peptide.

Methods

We studied mother-newborn pairs from two cohorts: Project Viva (n = 862 pairs included) and Genetics of Glucose Regulation in Gestation and Growth (Gen3G; n = 660 pairs included). We analyzed associations of the cord blood hormones with maternal 25(OH)D using generalized additive models with nonlinear spline terms, and with cord blood 25(OH)D using multivariable linear regression models.

Results

The 25(OH)D levels were <75 nmol/L in >70% of mothers and 85% of newborns. Maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D levels were correlated (Project Viva, r = 0.58; Gen3G, r = 0.37). Maternal 25(OH)D had an inverted-U–shaped relationship with cord blood insulin and c-peptide in both cohorts. Cord blood 25(OH)D had a linear relationship with the cord blood hormones. In fully adjusted models, each 10-nmol/L increase in cord blood 25(OH)D was associated with higher cord blood insulin and c-peptide concentrations: 3.7% (95% CI, 0.09 to 7.5) and 3.2% (95% CI, 0.8 to 5.6), respectively, in Project Viva; 2.2% (95% CI, −0.1 to 4.6) and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.0 to 6.3), respectively, in Gen3G.

Conclusion

Vitamin D may play a role in regulating fetal insulin secretion, potentially affecting glucose regulation and growth.
Breaking a Child's Will
Authors: Gossard Julia M.
Published: April 2019

On April 20, 1684, Louis XIV declared that any Parisian child, male or female, of the honorable poor under the age of twenty-five who mistreated his or her parents by refusing to work, by engaging in libertine activities, or by becoming a prostitute would be subject to imprisonment at either Bicêtre or La Salpêtrière hospital in newly constructed maisons de correction, or juvenile detention centers. This article argues that detention centers targeted rebellious youths from a select subsection of Paris's lower sorts, including those with trained and artisanal backgrounds, in order to reeducate and rehabilitate them. As part of eighteenth-century experiments in socialized care, the juvenile detention centers and the families that petitioned them sought to reestablish patriarchal control, both in the household and in the larger community, through rigorous physical punishment and intense vocational training.

Le 20 avril 1684 Louis XIV a déclaré que « Les enfants, soit garçons ou soit filles des artisans et des pauvres habitants de la ville et faubourgs de Paris au-dessous de 25 ans qui maltraiteront leur pères ou mères et ceux qui ne voudraient pas travailler par libertinage ou par pareille, seront enfermez dans les maisons de corrections. Les garçons dans la nouvelle maison de Bicêtre et les filles dans celle de Salpêtrière ». Ces maisons de correction ont ciblé la jeunesse rebelle du petit peuple parisien afin de les réinsérer dans la société. Elles participaient à une tentative gouvernementale de prendre en compte des services sociaux. Les maisons et les familles qui y avaient recours cherchaient à rétablir l'autorité patriarcale et dans la famille et dans la société par moyen du châtiment corporel et de la formation professionnelle rigoureuse.
Effects of group size on learning and memory in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Tsvetkov Nadejda , Cook Chelsea N. , Zayed Amro
Published: April 2019

In animals that experience interactions with conspecifics while young, social interactions appear to be a necessary prerequisite for typical behaviour. Eusocial insects have large colonies where individuals experience a great deal of social interactions with nest mates during all life stages, making them excellent candidates for understanding the effects of social isolation on brain development and behaviour. Here we used the honey bee Apis mellifera to study the effect of social isolation and group size on reward perception and discrimination learning and memory. We confined day old adult workers into three different size groups (1 bee, 8 or 32 bees) for six days during a critical period associated with adult behavioural maturation. We quantified their sucrose responsiveness, their ability to use and remember olfactory cues to discriminate between sucrose and salt (i.e. discrimination learning), and four biogenic amines in the brain. We found that the smaller the group size, the more responsive a worker was to the sucrose reward. Honey bees raised in groups of 32 performed the best in the learning trials and had the highest levels of dopamine. We found no effect of group size on memory. The observed group size effect on learning but not memory supports the hypothesis that social interactions modulate learning through the dopaminergic system.
Dose-painted volumetric modulated arc therapy of high-grade glioma using 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography
Authors: Kosztyla Robert , Raman Srinivas , Moiseenko Vitali , Reinsberg Stefan A , Toyota Brian , Nichol Alan
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To determine whether dose painting with volumetric modulated arc therapy for high-grade gliomas using 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]fluoro-l-phenylalanine (18F-FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) could achieve dose-escalated coverage of biological target volumes (BTVs) without increasing the dose to cranial organs at risk (OARs).

Methods:

10 patients with high-grade gliomas underwent CT, MRI, and 18F-FDOPA PET/CT images for post-operative radiation therapy planning. Two volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were retrospectively generated for each patient: a conventional plan with 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the planning target volume delineated on MRI and a dose-escalated plan with a maximum dose of 80 Gy in 30 fractions to BTVs. BTVs were created by thresholding 18F-FDOPA PET/CT uptake using a linear quadratic model that assumed tracer uptake was linearly related to tumour cell density. The maximum doses and equivalent uniform doses of OARs were compared.

Results:

The median volume of the planning target volume receiving at least 95% of the prescribed dose (V  95%) was 99.6% with and 99.5% without dose painting. The median V  95% was >99.2% for BTVs. The maximum doses and equivalent uniform doses to the OARs did not differ significantly between the conventional and dose-painted plans.

Conclusion:

Using commercially available treatment planning software, dose painting for high-grade gliomas was feasible with good BTV coverage and no significant change in the dose to OARs.

Advances in knowledge:

A novel treatment planning strategy was used to achieve dose painting for gliomas with BTVs obtained from 18F-FDOPA PET/CT using a radiobiological model.
Optimisation and usefulness of quantitative analysis of 18F-florbetapir PET
Authors: Fakhry-Darian Daniel , Patel Neva Hiten , Khan Sairah , Barwick Tara , Svensson William , Khan Sameer , Perry Richard J , Malhotra Paresh , Carswell Christopher J , Nijran Kuldip S , Win Zarni
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

This study investigates the usefulness of quantitative SUVR thresholds on sub types of typical (type A) and atypical (non-type A) positive (Aβ+) and negative (Aβ-) 18F-florbetapir scans and aims to optimise the thresholds.

Methods:

Clinical 18F-florbetapir scans (n = 100) were categorised by sub type and visual reads were performed independently by three trained readers. Inter-reader agreement and reader-to-reference agreement were measured. Optimal SUVR thresholds were derived by ROC analysis and were compared with thresholds derived from a healthy control group and values from published literature.

Results:

Sub type division of 18F-florbetapir PET scans improves accuracy and agreement of visual reads for type A: accuracy 90%, 96% and 70% and agreement κ > 0.7, κ ≥ 0.85 and −0.1 < κ < 0.9 for all data, type A and non-type A respectively. Sub type division also improves quantitative classification accuracy of type A: optimum mcSUVR thresholds were found to be 1.32, 1.18 and 1.48 with accuracy 86%, 92% and 76% for all data, type A and non-type A respectively.

Conclusions:

Aβ+/Aβ- mcSUVR threshold of 1.18 is suitable for classification of type A studies (sensitivity = 97%, specificity = 88%). Region-wise SUVR thresholds may improve classification accuracy in non-type A studies. Amyloid PET scans should be divided by sub type before quantification.

Advances in knowledge:

We have derived and validated mcSUVR thresholds for Aβ+/Aβ- 18F-florbetapir studies. This work demonstrates that division into sub types improves reader accuracy and agreement and quantification accuracy in scans with typical presentation and highlights the atypical presentations not suited to global SUVR quantification.
Information systems project management
Authors: Сысоева Леда , Sysoeva Leda , Сатунина Анна , Satunina Anna
Published: April 2019

The manual describes the processes of project management of information systems and the problems arising at various stages of their creation and implementation in enterprises; sets out modern methods and technologies for the implementation of project management information enterprises; presents the specifics of the creation of both unique projects of is enterprises, and adaptable using replicable models: MRP, ERP, CIM, etc. The book also provides the professional competence necessary for the management of IP projects.
It complies with the Federal state educational standards of the last generation.
The manual is intended for University students enrolled in educational programs "Applied Informatics", "Business Informatics", "Management". It can be useful for teachers, graduate students, specialists in the field of project management, managers, designers, consultants of enterprise IP projects.
A Model of Customer Reward Programs with Finite Expiration Terms
Authors: Sun Yacheng , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2019

A little-understood phenomenon of customer reward programs is the prevalent use of finite reward expiration terms. We develop a theoretical framework to investigate the economic rationale behind this phenomenon and the trade-off between short and long expiration terms. In our model, a monopolistic firm sets the expiration term, along with the price and reward size, and interacts with consumers over an infinite horizon. Consumers are heterogeneous in shopping probabilities and product valuations and forward-looking in making purchase decisions. We find that a customer reward program with a finite expiration term can increase firm profits when (i) the valuation difference within the consumer population is intermediate and (ii) the shopping probabilities and valuations are negatively correlated among consumers. Several model extensions confirm the robustness of these results. Finally, we conduct an empirical investigation on the reward program practice of the top 100 U.S. retailers, which provides directional support for several key theoretical predictions.

This paper was accepted by Gad Allon, operations management.
A arquitetura construcional do que nem na Língua Portuguesa: mudanças construcionais e construcionalização
Authors: Vieira Caio Aguiar , Sousa Valéria Viana
Published: April 2019

Neste trabalho, investigamos, sob o viés da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso – LFCU, as mudanças construcionais e a construcionalização do que nem utilizada na Língua Portuguesa como conector comparativo. Para tanto, a partir de uma análise quali-quantitativa, objetivamos, pelo prisma diacrônico, traçar a rota do pareamento de forma-função do que nem na Língua Portuguesa à luz dos tipos de contexto propostos por Diewald (2006) e, do ponto de vista sincrônico, analisamos, pela perspectiva construcional da mudança (BYBEE, 2010; TRAUGOTT; TROUSDALE, 2013; ROSÁRIO; OLIVEIRA, 2016; FURTADO DA CUNHA; BISPO; SILVA, 2018), o pareamento de forma-função do que nem e a sanção de novos nós na rede linguística com base nos corpora Popular e Culto de Vitória da Conquista – BA – Corpora PCVC e PPVC. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que um novo nó foi formado na Língua Portuguesa com configuração formal-funcional comparativa. Ademais, constatamos uma redução da composicionalidade do que nem, o aumento da esquematicidade e produtividade, evidenciando, assim, a expansão da classe hospedeira (HIMMELMANN, 2004), pois novos subesquemas foram acionados na rede, desempenhando a configuração formal-funcional de comparação, exemplificação e conformidade, aliado a um continuum crescente de (inter)subjetividade.
Apresentação “Novos caminhos teórico-metodológicos da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso”
Authors: Wiedemer Marcos Luiz , Rios de Oliveira Mariangela
Published: April 2019

Apresentação do número 37.
Effect of Shaking Location and Duration on Mechanical Harvesting of Fresh Market Apples
Authors: He Long , Zhang Xin , Ye Yunxiang , Karkee Manoj , Zhang Qin
Published: April 2019

Abstract. With adopting the modern high-density tree architectures, localized shake-and-catch harvesting is becoming more promising for fresh market apples. To investigate the shaking inputs for an effective harvesting system, a multi-tier shake-and-catch harvesting platform was developed and evaluated in a commercial orchard. The platform composes of a shaker and two three-tier catching surfaces. Performance test was conducted in ‘Jazz’ apple trees trained to a vertical fruiting wall architecture (two horizontal branches at each tier). Two harvesting sections were defined in the test trees, namely, Section I - two neighboring branches at the same tier from two adjacent trees; and Section II - two branches at the same tier of a tree. For Section I, shaking was applied to the middle of each branch (location P1), and for Section II, shaking was applied at the location close to the trunk (location P2). Shaking frequency was set to 20 Hz, and two shaking durations (i.e., 5 and 2 s) were used. In the test, the catching angle relative to the horizontal plate was set to 15°. The results indicated that the fruit removal efficiencies (2nd to 4th tiers of trees were used in the analysis) were 76.6% and 78.1% for shaking at middle of each branch in 2 and 5 s shaking, respectively; those numbers were 86.3% and 89.5% for shaking at location P2. The percentage of marketable fruits were 89.7% and 90.6% for the Section I shaking in two durations, and 84.5% and 84.4% in the Section II shaking. Overall, this study revealed that 2 s shaking duration is sufficient to remove majority of fruits in the tested variety, and the section II shaking had higher overall fruit removal efficiency but also caused slightly more fruit damage. Keywords: Fresh market apples, Fruit quality, Fruit removal efficiency, Mechanical harvesting, Multi-tier shake-and-catch.
MicroRNA-3162-5p-Mediated Crosstalk between Kallikrein Family Members Including Prostate-Specific Antigen in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Matin Farhana , Jeet Varinder , Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Cristino Alexandre S , Panchadsaram Janaththani , Clements Judith A , Batra Jyotsna
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs mediate biological processes through preferential binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of target genes. Studies have shown their association with prostate cancer (PCa) risk through single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), known as miRSNPs. In a European cohort, 22 PCa risk-associated miRSNPs have been identified. The most significant miRSNP in the 3′ UTR of Kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) created a binding site for miR-3162-5p. Here we investigated the miR-3162-5p–KLK interaction and the clinical implication of miR-3162-5p in PCa.

METHODS

We tested the role of miR-3162-5p in PCa etiology using IncuCyte live-cell imaging and anchorage-independent growth assays. The effect of miR-3162-5p on KLK and androgen receptor (AR) expression was measured by RT-quantitative (q)PCR and target pulldown assays. KLK3 proteolytic activity was determined by DELFIA® immunoassay. Mass spectrometry identified pathways affected by miR-3162-5p. miR-3162-5p expression was measured in clinical samples using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

miR-3162-5p affected proliferation, migration, and colony formation of LNCaP cells by regulating the expression of KLK2–4 and AR by direct targeting. KLK3 protein expression was regulated by miR-3162-5p consistent with lower KLK3 proteolytic activity observed in LNCaP-conditioned media. KLK/AR pulldown and mass spectrometry analysis showed a potential role of miR-3162-5p in metabolic pathways via KLK/AR and additional targets. Increased miR-3162-5p expression was observed in prostate tumor tissues with higher Gleason grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides an insight into possible involvement of miR-3162-5p in PCa etiology by targeting KLKs and AR. It highlights clinical utility of miR-3162-5p and its interactive axis as a new class of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCa.