bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and Motives to PA in South Asian Indian Immigrant Women
Authors: Daniel Manju , Abendroth Maryann , Erlen Judith A.
Published: March 2017

The high prevalence of chronic illnesses in South Asian Indian immigrant women underscores the need for identifying factors that could influence their PA. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perspectives of South Asian Indian immigrant women related to barriers to and motives for lifestyle PA within the PA Framework for South Asian Indian Immigrants. Forty women participated in focus groups that were conducted in English and Hindi. Focus group questions were open-ended and semistructured. Transcribed and de-identified audiotaped sessions were coded and analyzed using Atlas.ti software. Role expectation was a core theme for barriers with four subthemes: lack of time, loss of interest, diminished social support, and environmental constraints. Self-motivation was a core theme for motives with three subthemes: optimal physical and psychological health, emphasis on external beauty, and strong social support. Future PA interventions need to target these culturally sensitive factors.
Overcoming Institutional Voids in Subsistence Marketplaces
Authors: Davies Iain A. , Torrents Alf
Published: March 2017

This case study explores an entrepreneurial venture as it deals with the challenges of operating in Zimbabwe, a country with high levels of poverty, limited institutional frameworks, and no national currency. It investigates how the venture has overcome institutional voids to challenge the existing monopoly, and succeeded in establishing itself, and thrived, in a contracting Sub-Saharan economy. In so doing the case has reshaped the existing marketing system by increasing competition, lowering prices, providing income for more than 2,000 people, and better quality products for the urban subsistence community. Specifically this paper looks at what resources are critical to reshaping subsistence marketing systems, and provides insights into the marketing channels and networks that have led to this change.
A genetic CLOCK variant associated with cluster headache causing increased mRNA levels
Authors: Fourier Carmen , Ran Caroline , Zinnegger Margret , Johansson Anne-Sofie , Sjöstrand Christina , Waldenlind Elisabet , Steinberg Anna , Belin Andrea Carmine
Published: March 2017

Background

Cluster headache is characterized by recurrent unilateral headache attacks of severe intensity. One of the main features in a majority of patients is a striking rhythmicity of attacks. The CLOCK ( Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput) gene encodes a transcription factor that serves as a basic driving force for circadian rhythm in humans and is therefore particularly interesting as a candidate gene for cluster headache.

Methods

We performed an association study on a large Swedish cluster headache case-control sample (449 patients and 677 controls) screening for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CLOCK gene implicated in diurnal preference (rs1801260) or sleep duration (rs11932595 and rs12649507), respectively. We further wanted to investigate the effect of identified associated SNPs on CLOCK gene expression.

Results

We found a significant association with rs12649507 and cluster headache ( p = 0.0069) and this data was strengthened when stratifying for reported diurnal rhythmicity of attacks ( p = 0.0009). We investigated the effect of rs12649507 on CLOCK gene expression in human primary fibroblast cultures and identified a significant increase in CLOCK mRNA expression ( p = 0.0232).

Conclusions

Our results strengthen the hypothesis of the involvement of circadian rhythm in cluster headache.
Approaches to impact evaluation in academic libraries
Authors: de Jager Karin
Published: March 2017

This article is a review and summary of the ISO Standard 16439, Information and Documentation: Methods and Procedures for Assessing the Impact of Libraries which gathers together recent thinking and approaches to the difficult question of seeking and finding evidence that an academic library indeed makes a tangible difference to its users. Both librarians and library administrators who are grappling with the increasingly imperative need to demonstrate the value of their services will find this article of interest.
Influence of the Injury-to-Surgery Interval on the Healing Potential of Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Derived Cells
Authors: Inokuchi Takao , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Takayama Koji , Nakano Naoki , Zhang Shurong , Araki Daisuke , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2017

Background:

Vascular CD34+ cells in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue have the potential for high proliferation and multilineage differentiation that can accelerate tendon-bone healing. While patient characteristics, such as age, can affect tendon-bone healing, the influence of elapsed time after injury on the healing process is unclear.

Hypothesis:

Cells obtained during the early phase after injury will exhibit a greater tendon-bone healing potential compared with chronic phase counterparts when applied to an immunodeficient rat model of ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Adult human ACL-ruptured tissue was harvested from patients undergoing arthroscopic primary ACL reconstruction and classified into 2 groups based on the time elapsed between injury and surgery: (1) early group (≤3 months from injury) and (2) chronic group (>3 months from injury). In addition, 76 ten-week-old female immunodeficient rats underwent ACL reconstruction, followed by intracapsular administration of one of the following: (1) ACL-derived cells from the early group (n = 5), (2) ACL-derived cells from the chronic group (n = 5), or (3) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) only (n = 5). During the 8 weeks after surgery, histological (weeks 2, 4, 8), immunohistochemical (week 2), radiographic (weeks 0, 2, 4, 8), and biomechanical (week 8) analyses were performed to evaluate tendon-bone healing.

Results:

In the early group, the histological evaluation showed early healing, induction of endochondral ossification–like integration, and mature bone ingrowth. Micro–computed tomography showed that the tibial bone tunnels at week 4 and week 8 were significantly reduced in the early group compared with those in the chronic group and PBS group ( P < .05). Moreover, biomechanical tensile strength was significantly greater in the early group than in the other groups ( P < .05). An accelerated healing potential in the early group was further demonstrated by the enhancement of intrinsic angiogenesis/osteogenesis and human-derived vasculogenesis/osteogenesis.

Conclusion:

Compared with human ACL-derived cells obtained during the chronic phase, cells obtained during the early phase after injury have a greater tendon-bone healing potential when used in an immunodeficient rat model of ACL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

During ACL reconstruction surgery, transplanting ACL remnant tissue in the early phase after injury could accelerate and enhance tendon-bone healing.
Collagen Augmentation Improves the Quality of Cartilage Repair After Microfracture in Patients Undergoing High Tibial Osteotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Man Soo , Koh In Jun , Choi Young Jun , Pak Kyu Hyung , In Yong
Published: March 2017

Background:

The quality of cartilage repair after marrow stimulation is unpredictable. To overcome the shortcomings of the microfracture technique, various augmentation techniques have been developed. However, their efficacies remain unclear.

Hypothesis:

The quality of cartilage repair and clinical outcomes would be superior in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with microfracture and collagen augmentation compared to those undergoing HTO with microfracture alone without collagen augmentation for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Twenty-eight patients undergoing HTO were randomized into 2 groups: microfracture alone (group 1, n = 14) or microfracture with collagen augmentation (group 2, n = 14). At 1 year postoperatively, second-look arthroscopic surgery and biopsy of repaired cartilage were performed at the time of HTO plate removal. Biopsy specimens were graded using the International Cartilage Repair Society Visual Assessment Scale II (ICRS II). In addition, imaging outcomes in terms of the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score were assessed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, clinical outcomes in terms of the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Tegner activity scale score were evaluated.

Results:

The mean ICRS II score in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (1053.2 vs 885.4, respectively; P = .002). Group 2 showed greater improvement in tissue morphology, cell morphology, surface architecture, middle/deep zone assessment, and overall assessment compared with group 1 ( P < .050 for all comparisons). Imaging outcomes based on the MOCART score were superior in group 2 compared to those in group 1 on MRI at 1 year postoperatively (64.6 vs 45.4, respectively; P = .001). The degree of defect repair was better in group 2 than in group 1 ( P = .040). Clinical outcomes in terms of the VAS for pain score, KOOS, IKDC score, and Tegner activity scale score were improved in both groups without between-group differences ( P > .100 for all comparisons).

Conclusion:

The quality of cartilage repair after microfracture with collagen augmentation was superior to that after microfracture alone in patients undergoing HTO. Clinical results after 1 year did not reflect this difference in tissue repair. Therefore, a longer follow-up of the cohort is needed to answer this question.
Anatomic and Histological Investigation of the Anterolateral Capsular Complex in the Fetal Knee
Authors: Sabzevari Soheil , Rahnemai-Azar Amir Ata , Albers Marcio , Linde Monica , Smolinski Patrick , Fu Freddie H.
Published: March 2017

Background:

There is currently disagreement with regard to the presence of a distinct ligament in the anterolateral capsular complex of the knee and its role in the pivot-shift mechanism and rotatory laxity of the knee.

Purpose:

To investigate the anatomic and histological properties of the anterolateral capsular complex of the fetal knee to determine whether there exists a distinct ligamentous structure running from the lateral femoral epicondyle inserting into the anterolateral tibia.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-one unpaired, fresh fetal lower limbs, gestational age 18 to 22 weeks, were used for anatomic investigation. Two experienced orthopaedic surgeons performed the anatomic dissection using loupes (magnification ×3.5). Attention was focused on the anterolateral and lateral structures of the knee. After the skin and superficial fascia were removed, the iliotibial band was carefully separated from underlying structures. The anterolateral capsule was then examined under internal and external rotation and varus-valgus manual loading and at different knee flexion angles for the presence of any ligamentous structures. Eight additional unpaired, fetal lower limbs, gestational age 11 to 23 weeks, were used for histological analysis.

Results:

This study was not able to prove the presence of a distinct capsular or extracapsular ligamentous structure in the anterolateral capsular complex area. The presence of the fibular collateral ligament, a distal attachment of the biceps femoris, the entire lateral capsule, the iliotibial band, and the popliteus tendon in the anterolateral and lateral area of the knee was confirmed in all the samples. Histological analysis of the anterolateral capsule revealed a loose, hypocellular connective tissue with less organized collagen fibers compared with ligament and tendinous structures.

Conclusion:

The main finding of this study was that the presence of a distinct ligamentous structure in the anterolateral complex is not supported from a developmental point of view, while all other anatomic structures were present.

Clinical Relevance:

The inability to prove the existence of a distinct ligamentous structure, called the anterolateral ligament, in the anterolateral knee capsule may indicate that the other components of the anterolateral complex, such as the lateral capsule, the iliotibial band, and its capsule-osseous layer, are more important for knee rotatory stability.
The effect of carbon nanotubes-grafted lactide on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly (lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Wu Gaihong , Liu Shuqiang , Wu Xiongying , Ding Xuemei
Published: March 2017

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) derived from renewable crops is a promising substitute for petroleum-based products. Although PLA exhibits positive features, it also possesses drawbacks, such as brittleness, which hinder its extension in specific applications. In this study, lactide (LA) was used to graft carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to reinforce PLA. Under catalysis, LA was polymerized into PLA through ring-opening polymerization and simultaneously was grafted onto CNTs to obtain CNTs modified by LA (LA/CNTs). And the modified CNTs were used to prepare PLA composite films (LA/CNTs/PLA). Analysis of the Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) of the modified CNTs indicated that LA was grafted with the nanotubes. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the modified CNTs were compatible and homogeneously dispersed in the PLA matrix. The excellent dispersibility and compatibility of the CNTs led to good interfacial adhesion, which directly enhanced the mechanical properties of PLA. The addition of CNTs also improved the thermal properties of PLA. This research aims to ameliorate the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA and provides basis for flexible fabrication of bio-based PLA materials for a wide range of applications.
Assessing College Student Engagement: Development and Validation of the Student Course Engagement Scale
Authors: Lin Shu-Hui , Huang Yun-Chen
Published: March 2017

Student engagement appears to be associated with high-quality learning outcomes. Thus, it is important to measure whether students are engaging effectively in class. This article describes the development and validation of a measure of student engagement named the Student Course Engagement Scale (SCES). Exploratory and confirmatory analyses were conducted on two independent samples ( n = 543 and n = 893, respectively) of Taiwanese college students. The resultant 20-item SCES demonstrated good reliability and factorial validity as well as being correlated positively with other engagement measures. The results also confirm the measurement invariance of the five-factors SCES across different gender groups. This instrument provides a practical and valuable tool for assessing course engagement among Chinese college students.
Exploring Bullying Perpetration and Victimization Among Adolescent Girls in the Child Welfare System: Bully-Only, Victim-Only, Bully-Victim, and Noninvolved Roles
Authors: Sterzing Paul R. , Auslander Wendy F. , Ratliff G. Allen , Gerke Donald R. , Edmond Tonya , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: March 2017

Childhood abuse is a common experience for youth in the child welfare system, increasing their risk of bullying perpetration and victimization. Little research exists that has examined the rates of bullying perpetration and victimization for child welfare–involved adolescent girls. The study addressed the following aims: (a) to generate frequency estimates of physical, nonphysical, and relational forms of bullying perpetration and victimization; (b) to identify the frequency of bully-only, victim-only, bully-victim, and noninvolved roles; and (c) to identify risk and protective factors that correlate with these bullying role types. Participants were 236 girls (12-19 years) in the child welfare system from a Midwestern urban area. Participants were referred to the study to join a trauma-focused group program. Seventy-five percent of the total sample were youth of color, with the remaining 25% identifying as White, non-Hispanic. Data were collected through baseline surveys that assessed childhood abuse, bullying perpetration and victimization, posttraumatic stress, substance misuse, aggression-related beliefs and self-efficacy, placement type, placement instability, and mental health service use. Child welfare–involved adolescent girls were found to assume all four major role types: bully-only (6.4%, n = 15), victim-only (20.3%, n = 48), bully-victim (44.1%, n = 104), and nonvictims (29.2%, n = 69). The bully-victim rate was approximately 7 times higher than the rate found in a nationally representative sample of non–child welfare–involved youth. The current study identified posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anger self-efficacy, and alcohol use as significant correlates of bullying roles. The identification of a substantially higher rate of bully-victims has important practice implications, suggesting child welfare and school systems adopt trauma-informed systems of care. Bully-victims are very likely traumatized children who are in need of effective trauma treatment rather than punitive sanctions.
Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Human Milk From Mothers of Preterm Compared With Term Neonates
Authors: Soeorg Hiie , Metsvaht Tuuli , Eelmäe Imbi , Metsvaht Hanna Kadri , Treumuth Sirli , Merila Mirjam , Ilmoja Mari-Liis , Lutsar Irja
Published: March 2017

Background:

Human milk is the preferred nutrition for neonates and a source of bacteria.

Research aim:

The authors aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology and genetic content of staphylococci in the human milk of mothers of preterm and term neonates.

Methods:

Staphylococci were isolated once per week in the 1st month postpartum from the human milk of mothers of 20 healthy term and 49 preterm neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeats analysis and multilocus sequence typing were used. The presence of the mecA gene, icaA gene of the ica-operon, IS 256, and ACME genetic elements was determined by PCR.

Results:

The human milk of mothers of preterm compared with term neonates had higher counts of staphylococci but lower species diversity. The human milk of mothers of preterm compared with term neonates more often contained Staphylococcus epidermidis mecA (32.7% vs. 2.6%), icaA (18.8% vs. 6%), IS 256 (7.9% vs. 0.9%), and ACME (15.4% vs. 5.1%), as well as Staphylococcus haemolyticus mecA (90.5% vs. 10%) and IS 256 (61.9% vs. 10%). The overall distribution of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeats analysis (MLVA) types and sequence types was similar between the human milk of mothers of preterm and term neonates, but a few mecA-IS 256-positive MLVA types colonized only mothers of preterm neonates. Maternal hospitalization within 1 month postpartum and the use of an arterial catheter or antibacterial treatment in the neonate increased the odds of harboring mecA-positive staphylococci in human milk.

Conclusion:

Limiting exposure of mothers of preterm neonates to the hospital could prevent human milk colonization with more pathogenic staphylococci.
β-Blockade in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Does Heart Rate Control Influence Readmissions?
Authors: Owens Ryan E. , Twilla Jennifer D. , Self Timothy H. , Alshaya Abdulrahman I. , Metra Carlvin J. , Cummings Carolyn , Oliphant Carrie S.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Raised resting heart rate (HR), >70 beats per minute (bpm), has been shown to be a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and hospital readmissions, specifically in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF rEF). Given their mortality benefit, β-blockers are recommended in HF rEF, with a goal to titrate to a maximum tolerated dose rather than a specific HR target.

Objective:

To determine the impact of optimal HR control achievement prior to hospital discharge on hospital readmissions in patients with HF rEF receiving β-blockade.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patients admitted to 5 adult hospitals within a large urban health-care system, between 2013 and 2015, was conducted. Patients were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9) coding for acute on chronic HF rEF.

Results:

Of the 225 patients included, 20% achieved optimal HR control (n = 46, HR <70 bpm; n = 179, HR ≥70 bpm) and only 15% received β-blocker titration during hospital admission. Of note, 25% of patients receiving ≥50% target dose (n = 79) and 28% receiving 100% target dose (n = 39) achieved optimal HR control. At 30 days, patients with an HR <70 bpm versus HR ≥70 bpm exhibited similar readmission rates (9% vs 11%, respectively; P > .99) and ED visits (11% vs 8%, respectively; P = .57).

Conclusions:

Readmission rates were similar among patients with HF rEF despite the majority failing to achieve optimal HR control from β-blockade. However, β-blocker dosing remains suboptimal relative to guideline-recommended target doses. Opportunities exist for inpatient clinicians to optimize β-blockade in an attempt to achieve HR control.
The influence of spatial variation of railroad track stiffness on the fatigue life
Authors: Nkundineza Celestin , Turner Joseph A
Published: March 2017

Railroad transportation is very important for the economic growth. The effective maintenance of railroad transportation is a critical factor for its economic sustainability. The high repetitive forces from a moving railcar induce cyclic stresses that lead to bending and potential deterioration of rails due to the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. Previous research on the prediction of fatigue life has been done under the assumptions of a uniform track bed and a homogeneous rail. However, the spatial variation of track stiffness is expected to increase the maximum stresses in the rails and, therefore, accelerate the fatigue process. This study is focused on the variations of the track modulus and the impact on fatigue life. The computational procedure is based on several hundreds of finite element models of the rails across a set of crossties chosen from a random ensemble with representative statistical variations. The mean of the track moduli is estimated from the field track deflection dynamic measurement data in comparison with the deflection data from the FE models. A multiaxial fatigue model is used for the estimation of fatigue cycles to crack initiation. The results show that a non-uniform track bed can reduce the fatigue life by up to 100 times in comparison with the behavior expected for a uniform track bed. The results of this study are expected to improve the effective maintenance and scheduling of rail inspection.
Where Does the Ordered Line Come From? Evidence From a Culture of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Cooperrider Kensy , Marghetis Tyler , Núñez Rafael
Published: March 2017

Number lines, calendars, and measuring sticks all represent order along some dimension (e.g., magnitude) as position on a line. In high-literacy, industrialized societies, this principle of spatial organization— linear order—is a fixture of visual culture and everyday cognition. But what are the principle’s origins, and how did it become such a fixture? Three studies investigated intuitions about linear order in the Yupno, members of a culture of Papua New Guinea that lacks conventional representations involving ordered lines, and in U.S. undergraduates. Presented with cards representing differing sizes and numerosities, both groups arranged them using linear order or sometimes spatial grouping, a competing principle. But whereas the U.S. participants produced ordered lines in all tasks, strongly favoring a left-to-right format, the Yupno produced them less consistently, and with variable orientations. Conventional linear representations are thus not necessary to spark the intuition of linear order—which may have other experiential sources—but they nonetheless regiment when and how the principle is used.
Sources of Economic Growth in Zambia: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Chirwa Themba G. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: March 2017

In this article, the key macroeconomic determinants of economic growth in Zambia are investigated using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. The study has been motivated by the unsustainable growth trends that Zambia has been experiencing in recent years. Our study finds that the key macroeconomic determinants that are significantly associated with economic growth in Zambia include, amongst others, investment, human capital development, government consumption, international trade and foreign aid. The study’s results reveal that in the short run, investment and human capital development are positively associated with economic growth, while government consumption, international trade and foreign aid are negatively associated with economic growth. However, in the long run, the study finds investment and human capital development to be positively associated with economic growth, while only foreign aid is negatively associated with economic growth. These results have significant policy implications. They imply that short–run economic policies should focus on creating incentives that attract investment and increase the quality of education, the effectiveness of government institutions, the promotion of international trade reforms and the effectiveness of development aid. In the long run, development strategies should focus on attracting the accumulation of long-term investment, improving the quality of education and the effectiveness of development aid.
Equity Concentration, Agency Costs and Performance of Non-financial Firms Listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Ellili Nejla Ould Daoud , Abraham Jaya
Published: March 2017

This article examines the association between the equity concentration and agency costs as well as the impact of agency costs on performance of non-financial firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). These relations are examined by using dynamic panel data and a two-step robust system estimation for the period 2010–2013. The study uses three proxy variables to measure agency costs. The results show that the equity concentration has no significant impact on agency costs, and the agency costs have no significant impact on firms’ performance. In addition, the study shows no evidence to support the agency theory in non-financial firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). This study provides a better understanding of the association between equity concentration, agency costs and a firm’s performance.
Persistent foot ulcer due to ruxolitinib therapy for primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Del Rosario Michael , Tsai Henry , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: March 2017

Primary myelofibrosis is characterized by bone marrow fibrosis, splenomegaly and presence of JAK-2 V617F mutation in more than 90% of patients. Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of primary myelofibrosis. We describe herein a persistent foot ulcer development attributed to ruxolitinib therapy. We are unaware of any previous reports of this phenomenon in the scientific literature. A thorough examination of the lower extremities is perhaps necessary before initiating this oral agent. If ruxolitinib therapy cannot be safely discontinued, diligent wound care and a course of antibiotics are warranted.
Finding parallel patterns through static analysis in C++ applications
Authors: del Rio Astorga David , Dolz Manuel F , Sánchez Luis Miguel , García J Daniel , Danelutto Marco , Torquati Massimo
Published: March 2017

Since the ‘free lunch’ of processor performance is over, parallelism has become the new trend in hardware and architecture design. However, parallel resources deployed in data centers are underused in many cases, given that sequential programming is still deeply rooted in current software development. To address this problem, new methodologies and techniques for parallel programming have been progressively developed. For instance, parallel frameworks, offering programming patterns, allow expressing concurrency in applications to better exploit parallel hardware. Nevertheless, a large portion of production software, from a broad range of scientific and industrial areas, is still developed sequentially. Considering that these software modules contain thousands, or even millions, of lines of code, an extremely large amount of effort is needed to identify parallel regions. To pave the way in this area, this paper presents Parallel Pattern Analyzer Tool, a software component that aids the discovery and annotation of parallel patterns in source codes. This tool simplifies the transformation of sequential source code to parallel. Specifically, we provide support for identifying Map, Farm, and Pipeline parallel patterns and evaluate the quality of the detection for a set of different C++ applications.
Effects of non-linear hygrothermal conditions on the buckling of FG sandwich plates resting on elastic foundations using a hyperbolic shear deformation theory
Authors: Radwan Ahmed F
Published: March 2017

The non-linear hygrothermal and mechanical buckling responses of FG sandwich plates resting on two-parameter elastic foundations are presented in this study. Non-linear Fourier temperature distribution is considered as a special case. A hyperbolic displacement model is proposed in the present investigation. The present model involves four unknown variables, and the shear stresses on the bottom and top of the plate surfaces are equal to zero. The effective material properties of the FG sandwich face sheets are presumed to be varied in the direction of the thickness using a simple power law distribution, while the core is supposed to be purely ceramic. The stability equations are deduced by the principle of virtual work, containing the effect of foundations interaction and hygrothermal effects based on the present model. The hygrothermal effects are considered as non-linear, linear and uniform distribution through the plate thickness. Comparison examples are presented to verify the accuracy of the present model. The effects played by the temperature rise, moisture concentration, parameters of elastic foundation, side-to-thickness ratio, aspect ratio of the plate, the inhomogeneity parameter on the critical buckling of FG sandwich plates are investigated.
Failure behavior of hierarchical corrugated sandwich structures with second-order core based on Mindlin plate theory
Authors: Li Gang , Li Zhaokai , Hao Peng , Wang Yutian , Fang Yaochu
Published: March 2017

For hierarchical corrugated sandwich structures with second-order core, the prediction error of failure behavior by existing methods becomes unacceptable with the increase of structure thickness. In this study, a novel analytical model called moderately thick plate model is developed based on Mindlin plate theory, which can be used to analyze the failure behavior of hierarchical corrugated structures with second-order core under compression or shear loads. Then, the analytical expressions of nominal stress for six competing failure modes are derived based on the moderately thick plate model. The results of six different unit structures based on the moderately thick plate model agree quite well the ones by finite element methods. Furthermore, the influence of different structure thicknesses is investigated to validate the applicability of the moderately thick plate model. According to the comparative results with the thin plate model, the proposed moderately thick plate model has a better precision with the increase of the ratio of thickness to width for failure components.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of Hybridization Network Reconstruction Methods in the Presence of Incomplete Lineage Sorting
Authors: Kamneva Olga K , Rosenberg Noah A
Published: March 2017

Hybridization events generate reticulate species relationships, giving rise to species networks rather than species trees. We report a comparative study of consensus, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood methods of species network reconstruction using gene trees simulated assuming a known species history. We evaluate the role of the divergence time between species involved in a hybridization event, the relative contributions of the hybridizing species, and the error in gene tree estimation. When gene tree discordance is mostly due to hybridization and not due to incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), most of the methods can detect even highly skewed hybridization events between highly divergent species. For recent divergences between hybridizing species, when the influence of ILS is sufficiently high, likelihood methods outperform parsimony and consensus methods, which erroneously identify extra hybridizations. The more sophisticated likelihood methods, however, are affected by gene tree errors to a greater extent than are consensus and parsimony.
A Method to Categorize 2-Dimensional Patterns Using Statistics of Spatial Organization
Authors: López-Sauceda Juan , Rueda-Contreras Mara D
Published: March 2017

We developed a measurement framework of spatial organization to categorize 2-dimensional patterns from 2 multiscalar biological architectures. We propose that underlying shapes of biological entities can be approached using the statistical concept of degrees of freedom, defining it through expansion of area variability in a pattern. To help scope this suggestion, we developed a mathematical argument recognizing the deep foundations of area variability in a polygonal pattern (spatial heterogeneity). This measure uses a parameter called eutacticity. Our measuring platform of spatial heterogeneity can assign particular ranges of distribution of spatial areas for 2 biological architectures: ecological patterns of Namibia fairy circles and epithelial sheets. The spatial organizations of our 2 analyzed biological architectures are demarcated by being in a particular position among spatial order and disorder. We suggest that this theoretical platform can give us some insights about the nature of shapes in biological systems to understand organizational constraints.
Tryptophan Metabolism in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Secondary to Type 2 Diabetes: Relationship to Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Debnath Subrata , Velagapudi Chakradhar , Redus Laney , Thameem Farook , Kasinath Balakuntalam , Hura Claudia E , Lorenzo Carlos , Abboud Hanna E , O’Connor Jason C
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the primary case of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation is associated with metabolic dysregulation in patients with T2D and CKD. Tryptophan (TRP) metabolism may have relevance to the CKD outcomes and associated symptoms. We investigated the relationships of TRP metabolism with inflammatory markers in patients with T2D and CKD.

Methods:

Data were collected from a well-characterized cohort of type 2 diabetic individuals with all stages of CKD, including patients on hemodialysis. Key TRP metabolites (kynurenine [KYN], kynurenic acid [KYNA], and quinolinic acid [QA]), proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and C-reactive protein were measured in plasma. The KYN/TRP ratio was utilized as a surrogate marker for indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme activity.

Results:

There was a significant inverse association between circulating TRP level and stages of CKD ( P < 0.0001). Downstream bioactive TRP metabolites KYN, KYNA, and QA were positively and robustly correlated with the severity of kidney disease ( P < 0.0001). In multiple linear regression, neither TNF-α nor IL-6 was independently related to KYN/TRP ratio after adjusting for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Only TNF-α was independently related to KYN after taking into account the effect of eGFR.

Conclusions:

Chronic kidney disease secondary to T2D may be associated with accumulation of toxic TRP metabolites due to both inflammation and impaired kidney function. Future longitudinal studies to determine whether the accumulation of KYN directly contributes to CKD progression and associated symptoms in patients with T2D are warranted.
Establishing a Role for Interleukin-17 in Atopic Dermatitis-Related Skin Inflammation
Authors: Tan Qi , Yang Huan , Liu En-mei , Wang Hua
Published: March 2017

Background:

Although CD4+ T cells are known to contribute to the pathology of atopic dermatitis (AD), the role of T helper 17 cells and interleukin (IL)–17 in skin inflammation remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of IL-17 in AD-related inflammation and immunopathology.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 87 children with AD and 60 healthy control subjects. In addition, 10 skin biopsies from each group were collected. Skin and serum expression levels of IL-17 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)–sensitized IL-17 knockout and wild-type mice were used as an animal model of skin AD. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of T helper types 1 and 2 cytokines isolated from mouse skin biopsies were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine expression profiles of concanavalin A–stimulated splenocytes and IL-17-treated HaCaT keratinocytes were determined.

Results:

IL-17 expression levels were significantly elevated in the skin, but not in the serum, of patients with AD compared with healthy control subjects. Compared with control subjects, skin lesions from AD animal models exhibited significantly reduced epidermal and dermal thicknesses, as well as reduced messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of T helper type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Concanavalin A–stimulated splenocytes isolated from DNCB-treated IL-17 knockout mice showed significantly less production of IL-4 and IL-5 compared with wild-type controls. IL-6 and IL-8 production by IL-17-stimulated HaCaT cells was blocked by inhibitors of p38 kinase and extracellular signal–regulated kinase.

Conclusions:

IL-17 may mediate AD-related immune dysregulation by amplifying the inflammatory response.
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum–Like Papillary Dermal Elastolysis: A Single Case Report
Authors: Valbuena Venus , Assaad Dalal , Yeung Jensen
Published: March 2017

Background:

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum–like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE), a rare acquired elastolytic disorder, occurs in postmenopausal, elderly women and is characterized by soft, white-yellow papules that localize on the neck and supraclavicular regions and often coalesce into cobblestone plaques. It has no systemic involvement and is histologically distinct from the clinically similar inherited pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Case Summary:

A 64-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a 2-year history of multiple, asymptomatic soft yellow 1- to 2-mm papules on her neck, which were increasing in number. On histopathology, haemotoxylin and eosin stain showed a normal-appearing papillary dermis; however, Verhoeff–van Gieson elastic stain showed absent elastic fibres in the papillary dermis. Papular elastorrhexis was suggested, but given its clinical picture, PXE-PDE was also considered. There was no resolution after 2 courses of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (0.1 mL of 5 mg/mL).

Conclusion:

PXE-PDE, which is characterized by complete loss or significant reduction of elastic fibres in the papillary dermis, was consistent with our patient’s presentation and histologic findings. Papular elastorrhexis, a paediatric cutaneous disorder, was initially considered, but clinicopathologic correlation led to a diagnosis of PXE-PDE. Intralesional corticosteroids was tried as a treatment but was ineffective at improving the condition. This report documents the importance of histopathology and clinicopathologic correlation when differentiating the overlapping variants of fibroelastolytic disease.
Experiments and predictions on the performance of double-bump foil bearings: Effects of bearing loads and height difference between bumps
Authors: Feng Kai , Zhang Tao , Zhao Xueyuan
Published: March 2017

The concept of multilayer bump foils was introduced in the design of bump foil bearings to produce a double-bump foil bearing, which can provide increased load capacity and damping by adding another bump foil in the underlying structure. The height difference between the upper and lower bumps is a crucial parameter in the design and application of such structure. In this study, two double-bump foil bearings with various height differences between bumps are designed and fabricated to compare with an ordinary bump foil bearing. Three bearings are examined via static and dynamic load tests to estimate the structural stiffness and equivalent viscous damping. Test results indicate that lower bumps can enhance both the structural stiffness and equivalent viscous damping. A theoretical link-spring model, which exhibits good agreement with the data obtained from the static load test, is adopted to analyze the effect of height difference between bumps on gas film thickness and gas pressure of double-bump foil bearings. Results show that lower bumps of the double-bump foil bearing with a smaller height difference become active more easily and are more likely to form a stable double-bump supporting structure.
A hybrid solution for studying vibrations of coupled train–track–bridge system
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Gong Wei , Wang Lidong , Harik Issam E , Bai Yu
Published: March 2017

This article develops a hybrid model to analyse the dynamic interactions between a train, tracks and a bridge. The model couples the train and track subsystems to form an integrated time-dependent subsystem through a vertically interacting wheel–rail model. In turn, this time-dependent subsystem is coupled with the bridge subsystem by enforcing the compatibility of forces at the contact points between the track and the bridge. A new hybrid solution algorithm is proposed which combines the strongly coupled method and the loosely coupled method to numerically solve the equation of motion of the coupled train–track–bridge system in the time domain. The integrated time-dependent equation of motion of the train–track subsystem is solved by applying the strongly coupled method. The equilibrium equations of the train–track subsystem and bridge subsystem are then solved via the loosely coupled method using the Newmark integration scheme. Significantly faster convergence can be achieved by avoiding the iterative equilibrium calculations between the wheel and the rail, and the total computational efficiency increases significantly because of the considerably smaller size of the time-dependent equations of motion and larger integration time step. The accuracy and computational cost of the proposed method are validated and compared to the existing models using a case study on the vibration of a cable-stayed bridge.
Religion, respect and public reason
Authors: McBride Cillian
Published: March 2017

Do the constraints of public reason unfairly exclude religious citizens? Two ways of framing the charge of exclusivity are examined: the burden of translation objection and the integrity objection. The first, it is argued, rests on a misapplication of the ‘distributive paradigm’ and fails to provide a convincing account of religious citizens’ relationship to their beliefs. The ‘integrity’ objection, it is argued, relies on a theologically questionable account of ‘wholeness’ and drastically overestimates the threat to personal integrity posed by the duty of civility. It is argued here that it is a mistake to interpret the ideal of public reason as inimical to recognising religious citizens as co-deliberators and that, on the contrary, only a public-reason-centred account of democratic citizenship can ensure that religious citizens will be appropriately recognised. A rival, convergence, account of public reason, which seeks to relax the constraint of public reason and eliminate the duty of civility is rejected on the grounds that it fails to underwrite the appropriate recognition of citizens.
Secular republicanism? An analysis of the prospects and limits of Laborde’s republican account of religion
Authors: Schuppert Fabian
Published: March 2017

Debates over what the proper role and place of religion within a pluralist and diverse society of free and equal citizens are on-going. While much of the literature grapples over the question of how liberal theories should deal with religion, there is relatively little debate about the prospects and limits of secular republicanism. The key exception to this rule is the work of Cécile Laborde, in which she advocates two strategies for dealing with religion: justificatory secularism and disaggregating the concept of religion. In this paper, I critically analyse both these strategies, flagging up potentially contentious issues and shedding light on the potential for a critical republican secularism.
What’s wrong with establishment?
Authors: Seglow Jonathan
Published: March 2017

This paper examines what objections we might have to moderate religious establishment as found in a number of contemporary liberal democracies. This form of establishment respects citizen’s rights and liberties, so it is not immediately clear what if anything is troubling about it. One view is that moderate establishment is alienating for non-believers but I suggest this is either untrue or rests on contestable premises. Another view is that moderate establishment communicates an unacceptable message to those outside the faith. However, I argue that there is no clear expressive harm involved. In the final section of the paper, I defend an ideal of public reason which is exclusivist, since citizens must abjure from controversial religious premises in public political debate, but also (contrary to common assumptions about public reason) applies to the sorts of non-coercive measures moderate establishment often involves. I argue that under such a public reason framework, moderate establishment measures are often illegitimate, though not invariably so.
Assessing the Validity of College Success Indicators for the At-Risk Student: Toward Developing a Best-Practice Model
Authors: Tucker Leslie , McKnight Oscar
Published: March 2017

This study assessed the feasibility of using precollege success indicators to identify at-risk students at a large 4-year public research university in the Midwest. Retention data from students who participated in an established student success program were examined. The findings affirm that the initial admissions assessment identifying at-risk students is a feasible predictor of academic success, including high school (HS) grade point average (GPA) could predict student success over and above the variance accounted for by American College Test alone; the semester in which students are admitted is a predictor of success; first-semester college GPA can predict academic success over and above chance; there is a significant positive relationship between cognitive ability (i.e., American College Test × HS GPA) and SUCCESS; HS GPA could be used as the single best predictor of student success; and using all three variables to identify student success appears warranted. A PASS model is offered to assist in the development of interventions and success programs.