bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Urban Inequalities on Monitoring Progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Ulbrich Philipp , Porto de Albuquerque João , Coaffee Jon
Published: October 2018

There is much discussion regarding the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) capacity to promote inclusive development. While some argue that they represent an opportunity for collaborative goal-led and evidence-based governance, other voices express concerns as they perceive them as techno-managerial framework, that measures development according to quantitatively defined parameters and does not allow for local variation. We argue that the extent to which the positive or negative aspects of the SDGs prevail depends on the monitoring system’s ability to account for multiple and intersecting inequalities. Attention to the role of inequalities for SDG monitoring is of particular importance for SDG 11 due to the additional methodological challenge posed by the need for sub-nationally (urban) representative indicators – especially in cities with intra-urban inequalities related to socio-spatial variations among neighbourhoods. Investigating the extent to which its representativeness is vulnerable to inequalities we systematically analyse the current methodological proposals for the SDG 11 indicator framework. The outcome is a call for 1) a more explicit attention to intra-urban inequalities, 2) the development of a methodological approach to “recalibrate” the city-level indicators to account for the degree of intra-urban inequalities, and 3) an alignment between methodologies and data practices applied for monitoring SDG 11 and the extent of the underlying inequalities within the city that is being assessed. This would enable an informed decision regarding the trade-off in indicator representativeness between conventional data sources, such as censuses and household surveys, and emerging methods, such as participatory geospatial methods and citizen-generated data practices.
Genomic Islands Confer Heavy Metal Resistance in Mucilaginibacter Kameinonensis and Mucilaginibacter Rubeus Isolated from a Gold/Copper Mine
Authors: Li Yuan Ping , Carraro Nicolas , Yang Nan , Liu Bixiu , Xia Xian , Feng Renwei , Saquib Quaiser , Al-Wathnani Hend A. , van der Meer Jan Roloef , Rensing Christopher
Published: October 2018

Heavy metals are compounds that can be hazardous and impair growth of living organisms. Bacteria have evolved the capability not only to cope with heavy metals but also to detoxify polluted environments. Three heavy metal-resistant strains of Mucilaginibacer rubeus and one of Mucilaginibacter kameinonensis were isolated from the gold/copper Zijin mining site, Longyan, Fujian, China. These strains were shown to exhibit high resistance to heavy metals with minimal inhibitory concentration reaching up to 3.5 mM Cu(II), 21 mM Zn(II), 1.2 mM Cd(II), and 10.0 mM As(III). Genomes of the four strains were sequenced by Illumina. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of a high abundance of heavy metal resistance (HMR) determinants. One of the strain, M. rubeus P2, carried genes encoding 6 putative P1B-1-ATPase, 5 putative P1B-3-ATPase and 4 putative Zn(II)/Cd(II) P1B-4 type ATPase, and 16 putative RND-type metal transporter systems. Moreover, the four genomes carry a high abundance of genes coding for putative metal binding chaperones. Analysis of the close vicinity of these HMR determinants uncovered the presence of clusters of genes potentially associated with mobile genetic elements. These loci include genes coding for tyrosine recombinases (integrases) and subunits of mating pore (type 4 secretion system) respectively allowing integration/excision and conjugative transfer of numerous genomic islands. Further in silico analyses revealed that their genetic organization and gene products resemble the Bacteroides integrative and conjugative element CTnDOT. These results highlight the pivotal role of genomic islands in the acquisition and dissemination of adaptive traits, allowing for rapid adaption of bacteria and colonization of hostile environments.
Exosomes and Exosome-Inspired Vesicles for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Antimisiaris Sophia G. , Mourtas Spyridon , Marazioti Antonia
Published: October 2018

The similarities between exosomes and liposomes, together with the high organotropism of several types of exosomes, have recently prompted the development of engineered-exosomes or exosome-mimetics, which may be artificial (liposomal) or cell-derived vesicles, as advanced platforms for targeted drug delivery. Here we provide the current state-of-the-art of using exosome or exosome-inspired systems for drug delivery. We review the various approaches investigated and the shortcomings of each approach. Finally the challenges identified up-to-date in this field are summarized.
Making Virtue Out of Necessity: Managing the Citrus Waste Supply Chain for Bioeconomy Applications
Authors: Raimondo Maria , Caracciolo Francesco , Cembalo Luigi , Chinnici Gaetano , Pecorino Biagio , D'Amico Mario
Published: October 2018

Efficient use of agricultural wastes and by-products, basically transforming waste materials into value added products, is considered as pivotal for an effective bioeconomy strategy for the rural development. To this scope, citrus waste management represents a major issue for citrus processors but, at the same time, it embodies a potentially unexploited resource for the rural sustainable development. This study focuses on analyzing the current management of citrus waste in South Italy and identifying the determinants and barriers that may affect an entrepreneur’s choice on the destination of citrus waste. Citrus processors’ preferences about the contract characteristics needed to take part in a co-investment scheme have been investigated. Both analyses are preliminary steps to design an innovative and sustainable citrus by-product supply chain. Results show that the distance between the citrus processors and the citrus by-products plant is one of the main criteria for choosing alternative valorization pathways. Moreover, the required guaranteed capital, the short duration of the contract, and low risk are contract scheme characteristics that improve entrepreneurs’ willingness to co-invest in the development of a citrus waste multifunctional plant.
Learning Transportation Sustainability through Human Powered Vehicle Design - A Ten-Year Experience at Politecnico di Torino
Authors: Baldissera Paolo , Delprete Cristiana
Published: October 2018

In this work, the decennial experience of Policumbent student team at Politecnico di Torino is summarized by focusing on the acquired knowledge in design of Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) and on soft skills developed by both students and staff. Policumbent was funded by the authors at the end of 2008 in order to gather engineering students interested in design and construction of HPVs. In the last decade, the team has grown from 10 up to 50 students enrolled per year, exploring a range of HPV design for sports and mobility. Even when focusing on sport vehicles and extreme HPVs for speed record, such kind of projects allows students to familiarize with important concepts related to sustainable mobility: the amount of resistive forces and dissipated power, the role of vehicle weight and the impact of acceleration on the overall energetic balance as far as fundamental concepts about energy consumption, efficiency and emissions of the ``human engine'' in comparison with other kind of engines. By touching with hands such topics in the framework of a ``human-centred'' design project, the students have opportunity to develop awareness about the impact of design choices on sustainability of any kind of vehicle for transportation. Also, the paper retraces the team evolution path by focusing on a thorough analysis of what factors contributed to the success of this project.
Can Organic Farming Lower Acrylamide in Cereal Products by the Selection of Cultivars Low in Free Asparagine?
Authors: Stockmann Falko , Weber Ernst Albrecht , Mast Benjamin , Schreiter Pat , Merkt Nikolaus , Claupein Wilhelm , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: October 2018

For cereals grown under organic conditions, information on levels of free asparagine (free Asn) as a precursor to acrylamide (AA) formation, is almost completely lacking. This study investigated the impact of organically grown cereal species and cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), winter spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta), winter rye (Secale cereale), winter einkorn (Triticum monococcum) and winter emmer (Triticum dicoccum) on the level of free Asn with simultaneous consideration of grain yields and flour qualities over three growing seasons (2005–2006, 2006–2007 and 2007–2008) in Southwest Germany. Additionally, the relation of free Asn and AA was investigated. Heritability revealed how strongly the level of free Asn was linked to the genotype. In this context free Asn of species and cultivars grown at a second location in Southern Germany were analysed. The level of free Asn was significantly influenced by species and within species by cultivars. Rye was found to exhibit the highest free Asn amount (52 mg 100 g−1), followed by einkorn (32 mg 100 g−1), emmer (16 mg 100 g−1) wheat (10 mg 100 g−1) and spelt (8 mg 100 g−1), which showed the overall lowest free Asn content. Hence, replacing rye with spelt in food products would lead to an 85% reduction of free Asn in raw material. Within species, cultivars differed in their levels of free Asn by up to 67% for wheat, 55% for spelt and 33% for rye. Year also had a significant impact as almost all samples were significantly higher in their level of free Asn in 2008 compared to 2006 and 2007. Rye was most significantly affected by year as the level of free Asn varied by up to 32% between years. In contrast, wheat and spelt were only affected minimally by year. A high heritability was found for wheat (0.79) and spelt (0.91) concerning locations in 2008, meaning that the level of free Asn is mainly determined by the genotype and less influenced by environmental conditions. In contrast, heritability was low for wheat (0.23) but high for spelt (0.71) and rye (0.67) regarding years. As for organically grown cereals the relation between free Asn and AA formation was never investigated before. Correlation of both parameters was calculated. There was also a close correlation between free Asn and AA. Across species and years, the amount of free Asn correlated with the AA content in heated flour with R2 = 0.69***. Thus, free Asn can serve as an indicator for AA formation during processing. In conclusion, the level of free Asn can be highly influenced by proper selection of species and cultivars under organic growing conditions.
Design of the Oligonucleotide Carriers: Importance of Polyamine Chain Length
Authors: Annenkov Vadim V. , Krishnan Uma Maheswari , Pal’shin Viktor A. , Zelinskiy Stanislav N. , Kandasamy Gayathri , Danilovtseva Elena N.
Published: October 2018

Amine containing polymers are extensively studied as special carriers for short-chain RNA (13–25 nucleotides) which are applied as gene silencing agent in gene therapy of various diseases including cancer. Elaboration of the oligonucleotide carriers requires knowledge about peculiarities of oligonucleotide - polymeric amine interaction. Critical length of the interacting chains is the important parameter which allows to design sophisticated constructions containing oligonucleotide binding segments, solubilizing, protective and aiming parts. We studied interaction of (TCAG)n, n=1-6 DNA oligonucleotides with polyethylenimine and poly(N-(3-((3-(dimethyl­amino)propyl)(methyl)amino)propyl)-N-methylacrylamide). Critical length for oligonucleotides in interaction with polymeric amines is 8-12 units and complexation at these length can be accompanied by "all-or-nothing" effects. New dimethylacrylamide based polymers with grafted polyamine chains were obtained and studied in complexation with DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. The most effective interaction and transfection activity into A549 cancer cells was found for a sample with average number of nitrogens in polyamine chain equal to 27, i.e. for a sample in which all grafted chains are longer the critical length for polymeric amine - oligonucleotide complexation.
The Role of Golgi Morphology in Post-Alcohol Recovery of Hepatocytes: Observations in Cellular and Animal Models
Authors: Casey Carol A. , Thomes Paul , Manca Sonia , Petrosyan Armen
Published: October 2018

Background: In hepatocytes and alcohol-metabolizing cultured cells, Golgi undergoes ethanol (EtOH)-induced disorganization. Periniclear and organized Golgi is important in liver homeostasis, but how the Golgi remains intact is unknown. Work from our laboratories showed that EtOH-altered cellular function could be reversed after alcohol removal; we wanted to determine whether this recovery would apply to Golgi. Methods: We used alcohol-metabolizing HepG2 (VA-13) cells (cultured with or without EtOH for 72 h) and rat hepatocytes (control and EtOH-fed (Lieber-DeCarli diet). For recovery, EtOH was removed and replenished with control medium (48 hours for VA-13 cells) or control diet (10 days for rats). Results: EtOH-induced Golgi disassembly was associated with de-dimerization of the largest Golgi matrix protein giantin, along with impaired transport of selected hepatic proteins. After recovery from EtOH, Golgi regained their compact structure, and alterations in giantin and protein transport were restored. In VA-13 cells, when we knocked down giantin, Rab6a GTPase or non-muscle Myosin IIB, minimal changes were observed in control conditions, but post-EtOH recovery was impaired. Conclusions: These data provide a link between Golgi organization and plasma membrane protein expression and identify several proteins whose expression is important to maintain Golgi structure during the recovery phase after EtOH administration.
Cross-Modal Priming Effect of Rhythm on Visual Word Recognition and Its Relationships to Music Aptitude and Reading Achievement
Authors: Fotidzis Tess S. , Moon Heechun , Steele Jessica R. , Magne Cyrille L.
Published: October 2018

Recent evidence suggests the existence of shared neural resources for rhythm processing in language and music. Such overlaps could be the basis of the facilitating effect of regular musical rhythm on spoken word processing previously reported for typical children and adults, as well as adults with Parkinson’s disease and children with developmental language disorders. The present study builds upon these previous findings by examining whether musical rhythmic priming also influences visual word processing, and the extent to which such cross-modal priming effect of rhythm is related to individual differences in musical aptitude and reading skills. EEG was recorded while participants listened to a rhythmic tone prime, followed by a visual target word with a stress pattern that either matched or mismatched the rhythmic structure of the auditory prime. Participants were also administered standardized assessments of musical aptitude and reading achievement. ERPs elicited by target words with a mismatching stress pattern showed an increased fronto-central negativity. Additionally, the size of the negative effect correlated with individual differences in musical rhythm aptitude and reading comprehension skills. Results support the existence of shared neurocognitive resources for linguistic and musical rhythm processing, and have important implications for the use of rhythm-based activities for reading interventions.
Effects of Concentration Percentages of PCL/AGNO3/ZNO on Electrical Properties of Nanofiber Composites Produced by Using Co-Axial Electrospinning
Authors: Terzi Umit Kemalettin , Gunduz Oguzhan
Published: October 2018

Nanoﬁbers appearing functional properties show a great promise as allowing constituents for a wide range of medical applications. In this work, Polycaprolactone (PCL), Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) were used for fabrication of nanofiber composite material by co-axial electrospinning (CAE) process. 5, 10, and 15 wt. % concentrations of PCL were utilized and different amount of AgNO3 and ZnO were used in entire samples. Morphological analyses of the electrospun nanocomposites were done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and AgNO3, ZnO and PCL materials’ functional groups were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Before co-axial electrospinning, physical properties such as liquid state ac conductivity, density and viscosity were measured for all solutions. Capacitance (Cp) and D-factors (tanδ) of nanocomposite materials are measured for the frequency range of 20Hz – 3MHz and the solid state alternating current (ac) conductivity, permittivity (ε’) and dielectric loss (ε’’) were calculated for all solutions after co-axial electrospinning. Effects of concentration percentages of PCL and AgNO3 on real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant and solid state ac conductivity have been analyzed and comparisons have been made by the results obtained.
HUBUNGAN POLA ASUH OTORITER TERHADAP PERILAKU PERUNDUNGAN PADA REMAJA
Authors: Putri Fildzah Rudyah
Published: October 2018

Perilaku perundungan atau bullying semakin marak terjadi dan hal tersebut saat ini sudah menjadi perhatian, mengingat dampaknya yang sangat fatal. Pola asuh yang diterapkan oleh orang tua diketahui menjadi faktor kuat dalam membentuk perilaku perundungan tersebut. Dari ketiga jenis pola asuh orang tua yang dikemukakan Baumrind, pola asuh otoriter diketahui menjadi faktor yang paling kuat dalam membentuk perilaku tersebut. Oleh sebab itu, dalam penelitian ini, pola asuh yang akan diuji hanya difokuskan pada pola asuh otoriter yang diteliti untuk melihat seberapa besar perannya dalam membentuk perilaku perundungan. Penelitian perundungan ini nantinya akan dilakukan pada kelompok usia remaja, yaitu pada masa transisi perkembangan individu dari masa kanak-kanak menuju masa dewasa, dimana pada masa ini terjadi perkembangan dan perubahan yang sangat pesat dari sisi fisik, psikologis, dan sosial. Sampel yang digunakan terdiri dari 272 orang (59,6% perempuan, dan 40,4% laki-laki) dengan rentang usia 16 hingga 19 tahun. Dengan menggunakan teknik analisis regresi, diketahui bahwa pola asuh otoriter secara signifikan terbukti berhubungan dengan perilaku perundungan. Sebesar 11% dari perilaku perundungan diketahui dibentuk oleh pola asuh otoriter.
Identifying Unreported Opioid Deaths Through Toxicology Data and Vital Records Linkage: Case Study in Marion County, Indiana, 2011–2016
Authors: Lowder Evan M. , Ray Bradley R. , Huynh Philip , Ballew Alfarena , Watson Dennis P.
Published: October 2018

Objectives. To demonstrate the severity of undercounting opioid-involved deaths in a local jurisdiction with a high proportion of unspecified accidental poisoning deaths.

Methods. We matched toxicology data to vital records for all accidental poisoning deaths (n = 1238) in Marion County, Indiana, from January 2011 to December 2016. From vital records, we coded cases as opioid involved, specified other substance, or unspecified. We extracted toxicology data on opioid substances for unspecified cases, and we have reported corrected estimates of opioid-involved deaths after accounting for toxicology findings.

Results. Over a 6-year period, 57.7% of accidental overdose deaths were unspecified and 34.2% involved opioids. Toxicology data showed that 86.8% of unspecified cases tested positive for an opioid. Inclusion of toxicology results more than doubled the proportion of opioid-involved deaths, from 34.2% to 86.0%.

Conclusions. Local jurisdictions may be undercounting opioid-involved overdose deaths to a considerable degree. Toxicology data can improve accuracy in identifying opioid-involved overdose deaths.

Public Health Implications. Mandatory toxicology testing and enhanced training for local coroners on standards for death certificate reporting are needed to improve the accuracy of local monitoring of opioid-involved accidental overdose deaths.
Paid Family Leave Effects on Breastfeeding: A Quasi-Experimental Study of US Policies
Authors: Hamad Rita , Modrek Sepideh , White Justin S.
Published: October 2018

Objectives. To test whether paid family leave policies in California and New Jersey improved breastfeeding practices, overall and among key subgroups.

Methods. We conducted difference-in-differences analyses, comparing pre–post policy changes in California and New Jersey with changes in states where no paid family leave policies were implemented. We examined a large, diverse sample of children born during 2001 to 2013 (n = 306 266), drawn from the 2003 to 2015 National Immunization Survey waves. Outcomes included ever breastfed, breastfed exclusively at 3 and 6 months, and still breastfed at 6 and 12 months, as well as duration of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. We examined heterogeneity in policy response by maternal characteristics.

Results. Paid family leave policies resulted in a modestly greater likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Subgroup analyses were mixed, although several breastfeeding outcomes were consistently improved among married, White, higher-income, and older mothers.

Conclusions. Exclusive breastfeeding improved after implementation of paid family leave policies in the overall sample, and additional benefits were noted for more advantaged mothers. This contributes critical evidence to an ongoing policy discussion, suggesting that subsequent paid family leave policies should be designed to target more vulnerable mothers.
Estimating the Risk of Exposure to Fentanyl in New York City: Testing Drug Residue in Used Syringes
Authors: Blachman-Forshay Jaclyn , Nolan Michelle L. , McAteer Jonathan M. , Paone Denise
Published: October 2018

Objectives. To estimate the risk of exposure to fentanyl among syringe exchange program (SEP) participants in New York City.

Methods. We recruited a convenience sample from 11 SEPs in New York City between March and June 2017. Consenting participants (n = 434) received a labeled syringe for their next injection. We tested collected syringes with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–quadrupole–time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Fentanyl or fentanyl analogs detected in quantities greater than 10% of the residue mass were reported.

Results. The final analysis included 271 syringes; 46 (17.0%) contained fentanyl or a fentanyl analog. Fentanyl was the most frequently identified fentanyl compound, identified in 36 (13.3%) syringes. Furanylfentanyl was detected in 10 (3.7%) syringes, and 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl was detected in 5 (1.8%) syringes.

Conclusions. The risk of exposure to fentanyl in syringes used by SEP participants was significantly lower significantly lower than the amount of fentanyls identified among overdose decedents in New York City. Further research is needed to understand how people who use drugs have adapted to fentanyl in the drug market. Understanding the risk of exposure to fentanyls is critical to development of targeted public health messaging.
Shade as an Environmental Design Tool for Skin Cancer Prevention
Authors: Holman Dawn M. , Kapelos George Thomas , Shoemaker Meredith , Watson Meg
Published: October 2018

Little work has been done to explore the use of shade for skin cancer prevention in the context of the built environment. In an effort to address this gap and draw attention to the intersection between architectural and public health practice, we reviewed research on shade design, use, and policies published from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2017.

Our findings indicate that various features influence the sun-protective effects of shade, including the materials, size, shape, and position of the shade structure; the characteristics of the surrounding area; and weather conditions. Limited research suggests that shade provision in outdoor spaces may increase shade use. Shade audit and design tools are available to inform shade planning efforts. Shade policies to date have mostly been setting specific, and information on the implementation and effects of such policies is limited.

Integrating shade planning into community design, planning, and architecture may have a substantial impact and will require a multidisciplinary approach.
Five-Year Follow-up Results of a Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Intramedullary Nailing with Plate Fixation of Completely Displaced Midshaft Fractures of the Clavicle in Adults
Authors: Fuglesang Hendrik F.S. , Flugsrud Gunnar B. , Randsborg Per-Henrik , Hammer Ola-Lars , Utvåg Stein Erik
Published: October 2018

Background:

Surgical management of completely displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle is becoming more frequent, although long-term follow-up with Level-I evidence is scarce. Plate fixation (PF) of comminuted fractures provides faster functional recovery than elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The 12-month follow-up of this randomized controlled trial, published previously, found no clinical differences at that time on the group level, but subtle differences on the subgroup level indicated that the results after closed ESIN were better than those after open ESIN. The primary aim of the study reported here was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes and sequelae after open reduction with those after closed reduction and to help surgeons develop a treatment strategy of either PF or ESIN for selected patients.

Methods:

At a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 49 to 89 months), the 123 patients in the original study were invited to an online secure survey. We used the survey results to compare the PF and ESIN treatment arms and to perform predetermined subgroup analyses of closed compared with open ESIN in relation to Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, pain assessment, and implant removal.

Results:

The questionnaire was completed by 114 (93%) of the 123 patients. There were no differences between the 2 treatment arms with regard to the DASH score (ESIN, 3.1 ± 7.0 and PF, 3.7 ± 7.5; p = 0.9). The 27 patients who had been treated with closed ESIN had a significantly superior DASH score compared with the 27 patients who had been treated with open ESIN (closed, 0.7 ± 1.4 and open, 5.2 ± 8.9; p = 0.015) and compared with the patients who had been treated with PF (closed ESIN, 0.7 ± 1.4 and PF, 3.9 ± 7.5; p = 0.002). Patients who had been treated with closed ESIN also reported fewer sequelae than patients who had been treated with open ESIN or PF.

Conclusions:

The results of this study, combined with those of our prior 1-year follow-up of the same patients, indicate that it seems to be advantageous to perform closed ESIN. The long-term results after PF were similar to those after open ESIN, but PF resulted in faster functional recovery and fewer patients needing to have the implant removed. Therefore, if open reduction is necessary for a comminuted fracture, it seems that the advantages of the minimally invasive ESIN procedure are lost, and the surgeon should consider conversion to PF.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparison of 90-Day Complication Rates and Cost Between Single and Multiple Joint Procedures for End-Stage Arthropathy in Patients with Hemophilia
Authors: Feng Bin , Xiao Ke , Gao Peng , Liu Yong , Zhang Baozhong , Ren Yi , Weng Xisheng
Published: October 2018

Background:

Multiple joint procedures during a single anesthetic episode have been proposed for patients with hemophilia as a way to reduce cost. The postoperative 90-day complication rate and the cost distribution between multiple joint procedures and single joint procedures for patients with hemophilia have not been well studied.

Methods:

Between January 1996 and December 2016, 124 patients underwent 177 surgical procedures (total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and ankle arthrodesis) for the treatment of hemophilic end-stage arthropathy. Forty-eight patients (39%) underwent multiple joint procedures during 1 hospitalization, and 76 patients (61%) underwent single joint procedures. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated for complications within 90 days postoperatively and the cost during hospitalization. Risk factors related to complications were further analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-seven of the 124 patients experienced 29 complications within 90 days postoperatively, representing a complication rate of 16.4% for all procedures. The patients who had undergone multiple joint procedures had a higher rate of surgical complications than those who had undergone a single joint procedure (14.6% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.039). The patients who had had multiple joint procedures had similar rates of hematological complications (8.3% vs. 9.2%; p = 0.867) and total complications (31.3% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.100) compared with those who had had a single joint procedure. There was no difference between the patients who had had multiple joint procedures and those who had had a single joint procedure with regard to the cost of the coagulation factor (p = 0.212).

Conclusions:

The performance of multiple joint procedures during a single anesthetic episode is a safe approach for patients with hemophilia with end-stage arthropathy, with no substantial increase in the 90-day complication rate in comparison with that following a single joint procedure. The performance of multiple joint procedures under a single anesthetic episode can save cost and is more cost-effective when managing patients with hemophilia who have end-stage arthropathy.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Supplemental Nitrogen Applications on Corn in Lower Mississippi River Delta Alluvial Soils
Authors: Mascagni Henry J. , Tubana Brenda , Dalen Marilyn
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Corn optimal N rate on two alluvial soils ranged from 200 to 265 kg N ha−1.

Supplemental N applied at early silk increases corn grain yield on two alluvial soils.

Relative chlorophyll readings did not consistently diagnose need for supplemental N.

Nitrogen deficiency may occur late in the corn (Zea mays L.) growing season due to N fertilizer loss, particularly on poorly drained clay soils, or increased plant demand. Results from field trials conducted from 2006 to 2014 at the Northeast Research Station, St. Joseph, LA, were summarized to evaluate the influence of supplemental N (SN) on corn at early silk (R1). Four non‐irrigated and eight irrigated trials on Sharkey clay (Vertic Haplaquept) and six trials on the Commerce silt loam (Aeric Fluvaquent) were evaluated. Early season N (ESN) rates of a no‐N control plus 200, 235, 265, and 300 kg N ha−1 on Sharkey clay and 135, 170, 200, 235, and 265 kg N ha−1 on Commerce silt loam were applied after emergence. Additionally, a SN application of 65 kg N ha−1 was applied along with one of the ESN rates at R1. Grain yield was maximized at 200 to 265 kg N ha−1 on Sharkey clay and 200 kg N ha−1 on Commerce silt loam soil. Averaged across years, SN significantly increased grain yield of corn on irrigated Sharkey clay and non‐irrigated Commerce silt loam soils by 16 and 10%, respectively. The SN application at R1 may be effective if N is deficient; however, in many cases, there were no grain yield differences between the SN and the equivalent ESN rate. Relative chlorophyll reading was not reflective of the need for SN at R1, perhaps due to the significant changes on environmental factors post R1 until harvest.
Potassium Nutrition Affects Anthracnose on Annual Bluegrass
Authors: Schmid Charles J. , Clarke Bruce B. , Murphy James A.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

This study provides evidence that K deficiency can increase anthracnose severity of annual bluegrass turf.

Deficiency can be identified with testing of mat layer and tissue K concentrations.

Potassium values less than 43 mg kg−1 in the mat layer (Mehlich 3 extractant) and 20 g kg−1 in leaf tissue will increase anthracnose severity of annual bluegrass.

Potassium fertilization can improve stress tolerances in turfgrass; however, its effect on turfgrass diseases is inconsistent and not well understood. A 3‐yr field study was initiated to determine the effect of K fertilization rate and K source on anthracnose disease of annual bluegrass turf. Potassium chloride and K2SO4 were applied at K rates of 54, 109, and 218 kg ha−1 yr−1 as a 2 × 3 factorially arranged randomized complete block design with four replications. Potassium nitrate and K2CO3 were also included at the 218 kg K ha−1 yr−1 rate, as well as an untreated check. Nonlinear regression models were used to estimate critical concentrations of K in the mat layer and tissue with respect to anthracnose severity. All K treatments reduced disease severity compared to the untreated check (no K); however, KCl was less effective than the other sources when applied at the 218 kg K ha−1 yr−1 rate. The Cate–Nelson regression model predicted that K values less than 43 mg kg−1 in the mat layer (Mehlich 3 extractant) and 20 g kg−1 in leaf tissue will increase anthracnose severity of annual bluegrass (ABG). This study provides evidence that K fertilization can reduce anthracnose severity and that the severity of this disease can be correlated with mat and tissue K concentrations. Thus, it is important to monitor K in ABG turf and to maintain sufficient levels to reduce disease severity and improve turfgrass quality.
Composition, Forage Production, and Costs Are Variable in Three‐Way Cover Crop Mixes as Fall Forage
Authors: Farney Jaymelynn Kay , Sassenrath Gretchen F. , Davis Cathryn Joyce , Presley DeAnn
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Brassicas predominate percent composition of mixture in a warmer, higher‐moisture year.

Grasses and legumes produce more forage mass in cooler, lower‐moisture environment.

Oats and barley produced more forage mass than wheat or rye for 90 days after planting.

Radishes produced more forage mass than turnips.

Winter pea yielded more forage mass than berseem clover.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate plant species composition and forage mass production in three‐way cover crop mixtures and evaluate costs associated with specific plant species in a mixture. A 2‐year study (2014 and 2015) was completed in a randomized complete block design with 16 mixtures composed of a grass/brassica/legume combination based on four grass species, two brassica species, and two legume species. Brassicas and grasses together contributed between 54 and 100% of the total forage mass in mixtures. Brassicas were a greater portion of the composition in 2014 than 2015 while grasses and legumes made up a higher percentage of the composition in 2015 than 2014. Oats (Avena sativa) produced more forage mass than barley (Hordeum vulgare) with wheat (Triticum aestivium) and rye (Secale cereal) producing the lowest forage mass. Radish (Raphanus sativus) produced more forage mass than turnip (Brassica rapa), and winter pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense) had greater forage mass production than berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). In six of eight mixtures, radish growth altered grass composition within year; peas contributed little to the biomass composition regardless of year, and all brassicas had a higher percent biomass production in 2014 than 2015. As fall forage for cattle, oats are the most economical option for grass. Both radish and turnip are similarly priced based on production; and clover is a cheaper legume option, even with limited growth.
Interactions among Glyphosate and Phosphate in Soils: Laboratory Retention and Transport Studies
Authors: Padilla Joshua T. , Selim H. Magdi
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of PO4 on the sorption and transport of glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine, GPS] in soils. The results of batch experiments indicated significant competition between PO4 and GPS in two different soils, with PO4 being preferentially sorbed. The 24‐h Freundlich partitioning coefficients for GPS sorption were decreased by 50 to 60% with PO4 in solution. High sorptive capacities exhibited by soils in the presence of PO4 suggest the existence of both competitive and ion specific sites in either soil. Miscible displacement transport studies indicated limited effects of competition when GPS was applied in conjunction with or subsequent to pulses of PO4. However, when a PO4 pulse was applied after the application of a GPS pulse, a secondary GPS breakthrough was observed where an additional 4% of the applied herbicide mass was recovered in the effluent solution. This is likely attributed to the PO4–mediated displacement of GPS bound to competitive sites. These results are further emphasized by the distribution of residual herbicide in this column, with enrichment of mass at lower depths in the column and a corresponding decrease in GPS mass closer to the column surface. These results indicate that the timing of inorganic P fertilizers relative to GPS applications has a significant impact on the fate of the herbicide in soils. In particular, these findings suggest that GPS may be more liable to leaching in scenarios in which P fertilizers are applied after the application of GPS‐based herbicidal formulations.

Core Ideas

Sorption of glyphosate by soils is decreased in the presence of phosphate.

Phosphate can displace soil‐bound glyphosate.

Timing of phosphate application affects the mobility and fate of glyphosate in soils.
Geographic Distribution and Intrabiotypic Variability of Four Soybean Aphid Biotypes
Authors: Alt Jessie , Ryan Molly , Onstad David W.
Published: October 2018

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is an invasive species in North America. For more than a decade, scientists have been working on host plant resistance, but the frequent identification of aphid isolates resistant (virulent) to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] traits has caused concern amongst stakeholders interested in aphid control. To explore the diversity and distribution of these virulent aphids, we sampled soybean fields throughout the north‐central United States and southern Canada from 2011 through 2013. We evaluated soybean aphid performance on soybean cultivars containing Rag1, Rag2, and Rag3 loci and categorized them per standard biotypes. The soybean aphid biotypes were widely distributed across the sampled region. We also used the performance test scores to study the outliers and unexpected results according to biotype. Intrabiotypic variability is common in North America.
Histopathology in HCM
Authors: Tejado Beatriz San Millán , Jou Cristina
Published: October 2018

[first paragraph of article]Histopathology in patients with HCM is characterized by disarray of the overall architecture of the hypertrophied myocytes, which appear branched and may be intermingled with a variable amount of interstitial fibrosis. These changes may be patched and must be distinguished from the non-specific physiological disarrangement of the junctional area of the septum and the apex. The myocardial cell diameter is another important indicator of hypertrophy. Under normal conditions it ranges from 5–12 μm in diameter. Anything up to 20 μm may be indicative of mild hypertrophy. In moderate hypertrophy cardiocyte diameter is up to 25 μm and moderate to severe hypertrophy is usually between 25-30 μm. For diameters greater than 30 μm severe hypertrophy must be suspected.
Heart transplantation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Torres Marta Farrero , Perez-Villa Felix
Published: October 2018

[first paragraph of article]Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic to patients with advanced heart failure and sudden death. Treatment options are limited, especially in non-obstructive forms. A minority of patients (around 3.5%) can progress to an end-stage state, characterized by systolic dysfunction and restrictive ventricular filling, related to extensive fibrotic replacement and chamber remodeling. In these cases, life expectancy is significantly reduced: a mean 3-year survival time has been reported.
Surgical myectomy: Rationale and personalized technique
Authors: Al Kindi Hamood N , Yacoub Magdi H
Published: October 2018

Septal myectomy is currently the gold standard treatment for symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The procedure needs to be tailored and performed in a personalized fashion, taking into consideration the anatomical spectrum of this disease.The procedure needs to address the various components that contribute to the clinical and pathological picture of this disease including, the fibrous trigones, accessory tissues, papillary muscles, mitral valve and myocardial bridges. The operation can be performed with very low mortality and morbidity in high-volume experienced centers with predictable excellent short and long-term outcomes. There is a need for broadening the experience of this procedure to the rest of the world and for future development of new enhanced precision imaging and surgical tools.
An improved two-step parameter adjustment method for the optimization of a reservoir operation function model based on repeated principal component analysis and a genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Xuan , Chen Xiao , Cui Quan , Yang Zhifeng
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an improved two-step parameter adjustment method for the construction of a reservoir operation function model, by using repeated principal component analysis (PCA) and a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize parameters in conventional multiple regression models. The first step is to use repeated PCA, to exclude the co-linear parameters in a multiple regression expression reflecting relationships among possible impact factors of reservoir operation, so as to form an initial reservoir operation function model. The second step is to use a GA to optimize the model constructed in the first step, and to compare its effects with other regression methods. The results show that the proposed reservoir operation function model can produce better results, which correlate water volume for power generation, input discharge, water level, and ecological flow. Compared with established scheduling schemes, the optimized scheme increases the water volume for power generation by 1.06 × 109 m3/yr, and the optimized result generates an increase in economic benefits of 3.22 × 107 yuan/yr (i.e., 4.69 × 106 USD/yr).
Potential of Araucaria angustifolia bark as adsorbent to remove Gentian Violet dye from aqueous effluents
Authors: Georgin Jordana , Drumm Fernanda Caroline , Grassi Patrícia , Franco Dison , Allasia Daniel , Dotto Guilherme Luiz
Published: October 2018

Araucaria angustifolia bark (AA-bark), a waste generated in wood processing, was evaluated as a potential adsorbent to remove Gentian Violet (GV) dye from aqueous solutions. The AA-bark presented an amorphous structure with irregular surface and was composed mainly of lignin and holocellulose. These characteristics indicated that the adsorbent contains available sites to accommodate the dye molecules. The GV adsorption on AA-bark was favored at pH 8.0 with adsorbent dosage of 0.80 g L−1. Pseudo-nth order model was adequate to represent the adsorption kinetics of GV on AA-bark. A fast adsorption rate was verified, with the equilibrium being attained within 30 min. Equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 305.3 mg g−1. Adsorption was spontaneous, favorable and endothermic. AA-bark was able to treat a simulated dye house effluent, reaching color removal values of 80%. An excellent performance was found in fixed bed experiments, where the length of the mass transfer zone was only 5.38 cm and the breakthrough time was 138.5 h. AA-bark can be regenerated two times using HNO3 0.5 mol L−1. AA-bark can be used as a low-cost material to treat colored effluents in batch and fixed bed adsorption systems.
Presentation and evaluation of the zero-dimensional biofilm model 0DBFM
Authors: Plattes Mario
Published: October 2018

A zero-dimensional biofilm model, i.e. 0DBFM, has been developed for dynamic simulation of moving bed bioreactors (MBBRs). This mini-review aims at presenting and evaluating 0DBFM. 0DBFM is presented in Petersen matrix format and is based on the activated sludge model ASM1, which is an explicit and quite complex model (eight processes, 13 state variables, and 19 parameters) that has found wide application in engineering practice. 0DBFM is thus based on existing knowledge in biological wastewater treatment. The ASM1 approach has been confirmed by respirometry since the resulting respirograms were successfully simulated with ASM1. 0DBFM distinguishes between attached and suspended biomass and incorporates attachment of suspended matter from the bulk liquid onto the biofilm and detachment of biofilm into the bulk liquid. Still, 0DBFM respects the golden rule of modelling, which says that ‘models should be as simple as possible and as complex as needed’ and resists Occam's razor. The practicability of 0DBFM has been shown on a pilot-scale plant since nine days of wastewater treatment were successfully simulated and effluent quality was dynamically predicted. Finally, 0DBFM can be inspiring and the applicability of 0DBFM to other biofilm systems can be tested.
The concept and evolution of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Orekhov S. A. , Ivanova S. P.
Published: October 2018

Today socially responsible behavior has become an integral element of biggest corporations both in Russia and abroad. Business can get benefits from social programs and projects by improving its reputation, strengthening relations with authorities, counter-agents and global community. Concrete benefits from using social responsibility are tax and customs preferences, improvement of finance accounting, shaping the loyal customer base, emergence of new counter-agents and devotion of personnel. And especially important is the fact that corporation gets higher stability in crisis periods. Specific features of corporate social responsibility development are plurality and not uniform interpretation, the absence of any opportunity to define key factors influencing its essence. The article provides principle concepts of corporate social responsibility: the theory of corporate egoism, the theory of corporate altruism and the theory of reasonable egoism. The authors distinguish stages of corporate social responsibility development and characterize specificity of corporate social responsibility in Russia. Apart from that they provide comparative analysis of Russian and European practices of corporate social responsibility. It was pointed out that in our country the institute of corporate social responsibility is undergoing its development stage and state acts as a driver of the institute of corporate social responsibility development. It was pointed out that implementation of measures aimed at the development of non-finance accounting and real efficiency of corporate social responsibility in the country will depend on state.