bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antioxidant Ability In Vitro and Bioavailability oftrans-Cinnamic Acid Nanoparticle by Liquid Antisolvent Precipitate
Authors: Li Wengang , Zhao Xiuhua , Sun Xiaoli , Zu Yuangang , Liu Ying , Ge Yunlong
Published: March 2016

TCD is a kind of organic acid that is isolated from cinnamon bark or benzoin. TCD has significant antioxidant activity and is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food additives. But TCD has shortcomings of low bioavailability due to poor water solubility. Therefore, we use ethanol as a solvent, deionized water as antisolvent, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the surfactant to prepare TCD nanoparticle powder. The optimum preparation conditions were determined as follows: TCD-ethanol solution concentration was 170 mg/mL, the volume ratio of antisolvent was 4 times that of solvent, and the amount of the surfactant was 0.3% stirred for 10 min by 2500 rpm; TCD nanoparticle with a mean particle size (MPS) of130±12.5 nm is obtained under the optimum conditions. SEM, FT-IR, LC-MS/MS, XRD, and DSC were used to characterize the TCD nanoparticle. The results showed that the chemical structure of TCD nanoparticle was not changed, but the crystallization was significantly reduced. Solubility, dissolution rate, antioxidant activity, the in vitro transdermal penetration, and bioavailability of TCD nanoparticles were all much better than these of the raw TCD. These results suggested that TCD nanoparticle might have potential value to become a new oral or transdermal TCD formulation with high bioavailability.
The Influence of Puff Characteristics, Nicotine Dependence, and Rate of Nicotine Metabolism on Daily Nicotine Exposure in African American Smokers
Authors: Ross Kathryn C. , Dempsey Delia A. , St. Helen Gideon , Delucchi Kevin , Benowitz Neal L.
Published: March 2016

Background: African American (AA) smokers experience greater tobacco-related disease burden than Whites, despite smoking fewer cigarettes per day (CPD). Understanding factors that influence daily nicotine intake in AA smokers is an important step toward decreasing tobacco-related health disparities. One factor of interest is smoking topography, or the study of puffing behavior. Aims: (i) to create a model using puff characteristics, nicotine dependence, and nicotine metabolism to predict daily nicotine exposure, and (ii) to compare puff characteristics and nicotine intake from two cigarettes smoked at different times to ensure the reliability of the puff characteristics included in our model.

Methods: Sixty AA smokers smoked their preferred brand of cigarette at two time points through a topography device. Plasma nicotine, expired CO, and changes in subjective measures were measured before and after each cigarette. Total nicotine equivalents (TNE) was measured from 24-hour urine collected during ad libitum smoking.

Results: In a model predicting daily nicotine exposure, total puff volume, CPD, sex, and menthol status were significant predictors (R2 = 0.44, P < 0.001). Total puff volume was significantly greater and inter-puff intervals were significantly shorter after ad lib smoking compared with the first cigarette of the day, but puffing behaviors for both cigarettes were highly correlated (r range = 0.69–0.89, P < 0.001) within-subjects.

Conclusion: This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that puff characteristics of individual cigarettes are predictive of daily nicotine intake.

Impact: These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between smoking behavior and nicotine intake in AA smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 936–43. ©2016 AACR.
Girdin (GIV) Expression as a Prognostic Marker of Recurrence in Mismatch Repair–Proficient Stage II Colon Cancer
Authors: Ghosh Pradipta , Tie Jeanne , Muranyi Andrea , Singh Shalini , Brunhoeber Patrick , Leith Katherine , Bowermaster Rebecca , Liao Zhiming , Zhu Yifei , LaFleur Bonnie , Tran Ben , Desai Jayesh , Jones Ian , Croxford Matthew , Jover Rodrigo , Goel Ajay , Waring Paul , Hu Song , Teichgraber Volker , Rohr Ulrich-Peter , Ridder Ruediger , Shanmugam Kandavel , Gibbs Peter
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Prognostic markers that identify patients with stage II colon cancers who are at the risk of recurrence are essential to personalize therapy. We evaluated the potential of GIV/Girdin as a predictor of recurrence risk in such patients.

Experimental Design: Expression of full-length GIV was evaluated by IHC using a newly developed mAb together with a mismatch repair (MMR)-specific antibody panel in three stage II colon cancer patient cohorts, that is, a training (n = 192), test (n = 317), and validation (n = 181) cohort, with clinical follow-up data. Recurrence risk stratification models were established in the training cohort of T3, proficient MMR (pMMR) patients without chemotherapy and subsequently validated.

Results: For T3 pMMR tumors, GIV expression and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were the only factors predicting recurrence in both training (GIV: HR, 2.78, P = 0.013; LVI: HR, 2.54, P = 0.025) and combined test and validation (pooled) cohorts (GIV: HR, 1.85, P = 0.019; LVI: HR, 2.52, P = 0.0004). A risk model based on GIV expression and LVI status classified patients into high- or low-risk groups; 3-year recurrence-free survival was significantly lower in the high-risk versus low-risk group across all cohorts [Training: 52.3% vs. 84.8%; HR, 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–9.32; Test: 85.9% vs. 97.9%, HR, 7.83, 95% CI, 1.03–59.54; validation: 59.4% vs. 84.4%, HR, 3.71, 95% CI, 1.24–11.12].

Conclusions: GIV expression status predicts recurrence risk in patients with T3 pMMR stage II colon cancer. A risk model combining GIV expression and LVI status information further enhances prediction of recurrence. Further validation studies are warranted before GIV status can be routinely included in patient management algorithms. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3488–98. ©2016 AACR.
Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) Transcriptionally Regulates SNAI2 Expression and TIMP4 Secretion in Human Cancers
Authors: Boufraqech Myriem , Zhang Lisa , Nilubol Naris , Sadowski Samira M. , Kotian Shweta , Quezado Martha , Kebebew Electron
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in cancer progression and metastasis. We and others have previously reported that lysyl oxidase (LOX) is overexpressed in aggressive cancers, is associated with increased mortality, and regulates EMT. However, the mechanism by which LOX mediates EMT is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of LOX on mediators of EMT.

Experimental Design: We used chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter luciferase assays to determine the target gene of LOX. To determine the effects of SNAI2 in vivo, we used our metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) mouse model. To investigate the effects of LOX and SNAI2 on MMPs and TIMPs, protein arrays were used. Primary tumors from patients with metastatic, breast and colon cancer, and tissue array for thyroid cancer were assessed for SNAI2 and TIMP4 expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results: We found that LOX knockdown decreases SNAI2 expression in cancer cell lines. Furthermore, knockdown of LOX reduced SNAI2 expression in a metastatic mouse model of thyroid cancer. We also demonstrated that LOX binds and transactivates the SNAI2 promoter. We found a direct correlation in thyroid and breast cancer samples between LOX and SNAI2 expression. To understand how LOX/SNAI2 axis mediates these effects, we performed a comprehensive analysis of MMPs/TIMPs. LOX and SNAI2 depletion reduced TIMP4 secretion. Analysis of SNAI2 and TIMP4 expression showed overexpression of both proteins in aggressive thyroid, colon, and breast tumors.

Conclusions: Our findings provide new evidence that LOX regulates SNAI2 expression and that SNAI2-mediated TIMP4 secretion plays a role in cancer progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4491–504. ©2016 AACR.
Validation of an Enhanced Version of a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Noninvasive Prenatal Test for Detection of Fetal Aneuploidies
Authors: Ryan Allison , Hunkapiller Nathan , Banjevic Milena , Vankayalapati Naresh , Fong Nicole , Jinnett Kristine N. , Demko Zachary , Zimmermann Bernhard , Sigurjonsson Styrmir , Gross Susan J. , Hill Matthew
Published: March 2016

Objective: To validate an updated version (Version 2) of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) and to determine the likelihood of success when testing for fetal aneuploidies following a redraw. Methods: Version 2 was analytically validated using 587 plasma samples with known genotype (184 trisomy 21, 37 trisomy 18, 15 trisomy 13, 9 monosomy X, 4 triploidy and 338 euploid). Sensitivity, specificity and no-call rate were calculated, and a fetal-fraction adjustment was applied to enable projection of these values in a commercial distribution. Likelihood of success of a second blood draw was computed based on fetal fraction and maternal weight from the first draw. Results: Validation of this methodology yielded high sensitivities (≥99.4%) and specificities (100%) for all conditions tested with an observed no-call rate of 2.3%. The no-call threshold for sample calling was reduced to 2.8% fetal fraction. The redraw success rate was driven by higher initial fetal fractions and lower maternal weights, with the fetal fraction being the more significant variable. Conclusions: The enhanced version of this SNP-based NIPT method showed a reduced no-call rate and a reduced fetal-fraction threshold for sample calling in comparison to the earlier version, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity.
Helicobacter pylori and Other Gastric Microbiota in Gastroduodenal Pathologies
Authors: Schulz Christian , Schütte Kerstin , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: March 2016

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori changed the traditional view of the stomach as a hostile organ to bacterial survival. H. pylori induces chronic gastritis, which has the potential to progress to severe complications such as peptic ulcer disease and gastric neoplasia. The development of modern nucleotide sequencing techniques and new biocomputational tools allow the possibility of studying the diversity and complexity of the microbiome in the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract and overcome the limitations of culturing techniques. However, the differentiation of alive resident and transient microbes in the upper GI tract and their role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases requires an analysis beyond the detection of bacterial genomic material alone. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the bacteria may add important insights into their interaction with the host. Currently, the interaction of H. pylori with other microbes in the stomach and duodenum and their role for health and disease is poorly understood. This review provides a concise overview on the current knowledge of H. pylori and other gastric microbiota in the relationship with gastroduodenal pathologies.
Effects of Antibiotics on Gut Microbiota
Authors: Lange Kathleen , Buerger Martin , Stallmach Andreas , Bruns Tony
Published: March 2016

The gut microbiota influences essential human functions including digestion, energy metabolism, and inflammation by modulating multiple endocrine, neural, and immune pathways of the host. Its composition and complexity varies markedly across individuals and across different sites of the gut, but provides a certain level of resilience against external perturbation. Short-term antibiotic treatment is able to shift the gut microbiota to long-term alternative dysbiotic states, which may promote the development and aggravation of disease. Common features of post-antibiotic dysbiosis include a loss of taxonomic and functional diversity combined with reduced colonization resistance against invading pathogens, which harbors the danger of antimicrobial resistance. This review summarizes the antibiotic-related changes of the gut microbiota and potential consequences in health and disease.
Inhibition of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Enhances the Apoptosis Induced by Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Tie Guodong , Yan Jinglian , Messina Julia A. , Raffai Robert L. , Messina Louis M.
Published: March 2016

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is an important risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. oxLDL has been shown to decrease endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number by inducing apoptosis. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was shown to be activated by oxLDL and participated in the regulation of EPC number and function. However, the role of p38 remains unknown. Here, we show that oxLDL-induced p38 phosphorylation in EPCs is time and dose dependent. Treatment with antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine restored oxLDL-induced p38 phosphorylation to basal levels. LOX-1-blocking antibody also significantly decreased oxLDL-induced p38 phosphorylation. Interestingly, TUNEL staining showed that pretreatment with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 further increased oxLDL-induced apoptosis in EPCs. In accordance with these findings, pretreatment with SB203580 further attenuated Akt phosphorylation in EPCs challenged with oxLDL, indicating an interaction between Akt and p38 MAPK pathways. In agreement, inhibition of p38 MAPK further attenuated Akt phosphorylation and increased apoptosis in EPCs isolated from hypercholesterolemic ApoE-/- mice. In conclusion, p38 MAPK serves as an anti-apoptotic pathway by supporting Akt activity when EPCs are challenged with oxLDL.
Inhibition of LDHA Deliver Potential Anticancer Performance in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xinsheng , Xu Lixia , Wu Qiaoli , Liu Mengyuan , Tang Fan , Cai Ying , Fan Weijia , Huang Huiling , Gu Xinquan
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), which functions as a crucial enzyme in transforming from pyruvate into lactate, has been reported to be overexpressed in various advanced cancer and its silencing has turned out to be tumor suppressive. Previous studies have showed that the expression of LDHA was higher in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) than that in corresponding normal renal tissue. However, the function of LDHA in RCC, and its possible mechanism in tumor progression, has not been investigated. Methods: MTT and cell cycle assay were performed to explore the growth of the renal cells. Transwell assay for the migration and invasion and tube formation were conducted to detect the metastatic properties of the renal cancer. Results: Here, we show that siRNA-mediated knockdown of LDHA inhibits cell proliferation by decreasing cell cycle and promoting apoptosis in renal cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, LDHA siRNA treatment altered the expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins, including p21, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, LDHA siRNA treatment leads to markedly diminished migratory and invasive ability by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the view that LDHA, as an oncogene, might be a potential therapeutic target in RCC.
Visual and Surface Properties of CdTe Thin Films on CdS/FTO Glass Substrates
Authors: K Ramya , T Yuvaraja
Published: March 2016

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film material was deposited ontop of Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) substrate using vacuum evaporation technique. The sample was characterized using X-ray diffraction(XRD) and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. XRD studies revealed that the sample was polycrystalline in nature. The SEM image showed that the sample is columnar in structure and the grains are uniform. Optical band gap of the CdTe thin film was estimated from transmittance and reflectance data and it was found 1.53eV.The structural, optical and surface properties of the film showed that the CdTe thin film materials can be used for fabrication of CdTe thin film solar cell.
Design of a Wireless Sensor Node for Vibration Monitoring of Industrial Machinery
Authors: Jaber Alaa Abdulhady , Bicker Robert
Published: March 2016

Machine healthy monitoring is a type of maintenance inspection technique by which an operational asset is monitored and the data obtained is analysed to detect signs of degradation, diagnose the causes of faults and thus reducing the maintenance costs. Vibration signals analysis was extensively used for machines fault detection and diagnosis in various industrial applications, as it respond immediately to manifest itself if any change is appeared in the monitored machine. However, recent developments in electronics and computing have opened new horizons in the area of condition monitoring and have shown their practicality in fault detection and diagnosis processes. The main aim of using wireless embedded systems is to allow data analysis to be carried out locally at field level and transmitting the results wirelessly to the base station, which as a result will help to overcome the need for wiring and provides an easy and cost-effective sensing technique to detect faults in machines. So, the main focuses of this research is to design and develop an online condition monitoring system based on wireless embedded technology that can be used to detect and diagnose the most common faults in the transmission systems (gears and bearings) of an industrial robot joints using vibration signal analysis.
Statin and Aspirin Use Among Hispanic and Latino Adults at High Cardiovascular Risk: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Qato Dima M. , Lee Todd A. , Durazo‐Arvizu Ramon , Wu Donghong , Wilder Jocelyn , Reina Samantha A. , Cai Jianwen , Gonzalez Franklyn , Talavera Gregory A. , Ostfeld Robert J. , Daviglus Martha L.
Published: March 2016

Background

Despite variations in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors among
US
Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds, there is little information on whether disparities exist in the use of medications for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We examined the prevalence of statin and aspirin use among diverse
US
Hispanic/Latino adults at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and Results

A multicenter population‐based study, the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos, included a total of 16 415 participants of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, South American, and Central American backgrounds who were aged 18 to 74 years and enrolled between March 2008 and June 2011. Our analyses were limited to 4139 participants considered to be at high cardiovascular risk. Age‐adjusted prevalence of statin and aspirin use was 25% and 44%, respectively, overall but varied by Hispanic/Latino background among those at high cardiovascular risk; statin use was significantly higher (
P
<0.001) among adults of Puerto Rican (33%) and Dominican (28%) backgrounds compared with adults of other backgrounds (Mexican, 24%; Cuban, 22%; Central American, 20%; South American, 22%). There was no difference in aspirin use. After adjusting for health insurance coverage, the difference in prevalence of statin use was substantially reduced among participants with a Puerto Rican background, from an odds ratio of 1.73 (95%
CI
1.30–2.31) to 1.30 (95%
CI
0.97–1.75), and with a Dominican background, from an odds ratio of 1.45 (95%
CI
1.04–2.02) to 1.07 (95%
CI
0.75–1.52), in comparison to their counterparts.

Conclusions

Among Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds, statin use was more prevalent among adults with Puerto Rican and Dominican backgrounds at high cardiovascular risk. These differences in statin use were explained, in part, by differences in insurance coverage. These findings have important implications for the prevention of disparities in cardiovascular outcomes within the growing
US
Hispanic/Latino population.
Dostoevsky and Philosophising
Authors: Phillips James
Published: March 2016

One of the traits that renders Dostoevsky’s characters unwieldy for monological interpretations is their philosophising. They speak too much and in too abstract a manner to be serviceable components for the steady unfolding of a dramatic plot. They are also too caught up in the very process of philosophising to efface themselves as impersonal vehicles for the transmission of a polished set of authorial reflections. The nature of Dostoevsky’s fiction is pursued in its relation to philosophy.
Upwelling of Atlantic Water along the Canadian Beaufort Sea Continental Slope: Favorable Atmospheric Conditions and Seasonal and Interannual Variations
Authors: Kirillov Sergei , Dmitrenko Igor , Tremblay Bruno , Gratton Yves , Barber David , Rysgaard Søren
Published: March 2016

The role of wind forcing on the vertical displacement of the −1°C isotherm and 33.8 isohaline depths was examined based on snapshots of historical (1950–2013) temperature and salinity profiles along the Mackenzie continental slope (Beaufort Sea). It is found that upwelling is correlated with along-slope northeast (T59°) winds during both ice-free and ice-covered conditions, although the wind impact is more efficient during the ice-free season. One of the most important factors responsible for vertical displacements of isopycnals is sustained wind forcing that can last for several weeks and even longer. It accounts for 14%–55% of total variance in isotherm/isohaline depths, although these numbers might be underestimated. The upwelling and downwelling events are discussed in the context of the interplay between two regional centers of action—the Beaufort high and Aleutian low—that control the wind pattern over the southern Beaufort Sea. The probability of upwelling-favorable wind occurrence is closely related to the sea level pressure difference between these two centers, as well as their geographical positions. The combined effect of both centers expressed as the SLP differences is highly correlated (0.68/0.66 for summer/winter) with occurrences of extreme upwelling-favorable northeast (NE) winds over the Mackenzie slope, although the Beaufort high plays a more important role. The authors also diagnosed the predominant upwelling-favorable conditions over the Mackenzie slope in the recent decade associated with the summertime amplification of the Beaufort high. The upwelling-favorable NE wind occurrences also demonstrate the significant but low (−0.30) correlation with Arctic Oscillation (AO) during both summer and winter seasons, whereas the high correlation with North Pacific index (NPI; −0.52) is obtained only for the ice-covered period.
Teaching Canada–US relations: Three great debates
Authors: Bow Brian , Chapnick Adam
Published: March 2016

The study of Canada–United States relations has a long, rich history as an interdisciplinary project, closely engaged with contemporary policy debates, and well integrated in the teaching curricula at Canadian universities. As the two societies become ever more tightly enmeshed—economically, demographically, culturally, and even politically—and the two states’ diplomatic relationship becomes ever more complex, the study of that relationship can and should become more reflective, purposive, and coherent. Having reviewed recent historiographical developments, in which the field’s three core debates have been taken in important new directions, we are hopeful about the prospects for renewal and reinvention. The challenge for students of Canada–US relations today, we maintain, is therefore to continue to unearth insights from the original great debates but also to challenge and revise the broader debates themselves to develop a more robust understanding of the relationship past, present, and future.
The Cementocyte—An Osteocyte Relative?
Authors: Zhao N. , Foster B.L. , Bonewald L.F.
Published: March 2016

Cementum is a mineralized tissue covering the tooth root that functions in tooth attachment and posteruptive adjustment of tooth position. During formation of the apically located cellular cementum, some cementoblasts become embedded in the cementoid matrix and become cementocytes. As apparently terminally differentiated cells embedded in a mineralized extracellular matrix, cementocytes are part of a select group of specialized cells, also including osteocytes, hypertrophic chondrocytes, and odontoblasts. The differentiation and potential function(s) of cementocytes are virtually unknown, and the question may be posed whether the cementocyte is a dynamic actor in cementum in comparable fashion with the osteocyte in the skeleton, responding to changing tooth functions and endocrine signals and actively directing local cementum metabolism. This review summarizes the literature with regard to cementocytes, comparing them to their closest “cousins,” the osteocytes, where insights gained from osteocyte studies serve to inform the critical examination of cementocytes. The review identifies important unanswered questions about these cells regarding their origins, differentiation, morphology and lacuno-canalicular system, selective markers, and potential functions.
The spread of coproduction: How the concept reached the northernmost city in the UK
Authors: Ersoy Aksel
Published: March 2016

Over the last years, engagement with politics in Scotland has increased significantly through involvement in the campaigns or party membership following the post-referendum period and the Leaders Debate in 2015. Recent general elections in the UK have shown that Scotland “voted for change” as they have become the third largest party in the House of Commons. Nevertheless, the cuts in public spending still remain as the major challenges for the Scottish Government. In the aftermath of the Christie Commission, there has been an increasing interest in the concept of coproduction in Scotland to overcome some of those challenges in public services. The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it explores how coproduction has become embedded in the Scottish context. Secondly, it uses Aberdeen as a case study and investigates how Aberdeen City Council has adopted this concept in its approach. The paper argues that coproduction needs a more critical perspective in managerial approaches to public services so that it can be a matter of democracy rather than administration.
Occupational chemical exposure and diabetes mellitus risk
Authors: Leso Veruscka , Capitanelli Ilaria , Lops Erika Alessandra , Ricciardi Walter , Iavicoli Ivo
Published: March 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that may originate from an interaction between genetic and lifestyle risk factors. However, the possible role of occupational chemical exposures in the disease development and progression remains unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between occupational exposure to specific chemical substances or industrial activities and DM morbidity and mortality outcomes. Although some positive findings may support the diabetogenic role of certain pesticides and dioxins in different workplaces, the variable conditions of exposure, the lack of quantitative environmental or biological monitoring data and the different outcomes evaluated do not allow defining a specific exposure-disease causality. Therefore, further epidemiological studies will be necessary to adequately assess modes of action for different substances, dose–response relationships as well as individual susceptibility factors potentially affecting the exposure-disease continuum. Overall, this appears important to adequately assess, communicate and manage risks in occupational chemical exposure settings with the aim to protect workers and build healthier job conditions for diabetic employees.
Relationships of French and English Morphophonemic Orthographies to Word Reading, Spelling, and Reading Comprehension During Early and Middle Childhood
Authors: Abbott Robert D. , Fayol Michel , Zorman Michel , Casalis Séverine , Nagy William , Berninger Virginia W.
Published: March 2016

Two longitudinal studies of word reading, spelling, and reading comprehension identified commonalities and differences in morphophonemic orthographies—French (Study 1, n = 1,313) or English (Study 2, n = 114) in early childhood (Grade 2)and middle childhood (Grade 5). For French and English, statistically significant concurrent relationships among these literacy skills occurred in Grades 2 and 5, and longitudinal relationships for each skill with itself from Grades 2 to 5; but concurrent relationships were more sizable and longitudinal relationships more variable for English than French especially for word reading to reading comprehension. Results show that, for both morphophonemic orthographies, assessment and instructional practices should be tailored to early or middle childhood, and early childhood reading comprehension may not be related to middle childhood spelling. Also discussed are findings applying only to English, for which word origin is primarily Anglo-Saxon in early childhood, but increasingly French in middle childhood.
Physical Fighting Among Male and Female Adolescents of Military Families: Results From a Representative Sample of High School Students
Authors: Reinhardt Jason , Clements-Nolle Kristen , Yang Wei
Published: March 2016

The impact of family military involvement on adolescent mental health and substance abuse is well established, but little is known about other behavioral health outcomes such as physical fighting. We assessed the relationship between family military involvement and physical fighting in a representative sample of 3,928 high school students. Weighted logistic regression was used to determine whether adolescents from military families had higher odds of fighting and fighting on school property compared with adolescents of non-military families after controlling for demographics, substance use, depressive symptoms, and bullying victimization. We also assessed the cumulative impact of multiple risk factors on fighting outcomes. Overall, 23.5% of high school students reported physical fighting and 7.0% reported physical fighting at school. Youth from military families had higher odds of physical fighting (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.27, 2.25]) and physical fighting on school property (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI = [1.16, 3.39]). In models stratified by gender, family military involvement remained independently associated with physical fighting and physical fighting at school for males (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI = [1.15, 2.65] and AOR = 2.21; 95% CI = [1.03, 4.74]) and females (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = [1.11, 2.45] and AOR = 1.88; 95% CI = [1.01, 3.50]). The odds of engaging in each physical fighting outcome increased as the cumulative number of risk factors increased. School-based interventions aimed at addressing fighting should be tailored to fit the unique needs of adolescents in military families, particularly those with additional risk factors.
Design and locomotion analysis of a novel deformable mobile robot with two spatial reconfigurable platforms and three kinematic chains
Authors: Ding Wan , Ruan Qiang , Yao Yan-an
Published: March 2016

A novel five degrees of freedom deformable mobile robot composed of two spatial reconfigurable platforms and three revolute–prismatic–spherical kinematic chains acting in parallel to link the two platforms is proposed to realize large deformation capabilities and multiple locomotion modes. Each platform is an improved deployable single degrees of freedom three-plane-symmetric Bricard linkage. By taking advantage of locomotion collaborating among platforms and kinematic chains, the mobile robot can fold into stick-like shape and possess omnidirectional rolling and worm-like motions. The mechanism design, kinematics, and locomotion feasibility are the main focus. Through kinematics and gait planning, the robot is analyzed to have the capabilities of rolling and turning. Based on its deformation, the worm-like motion performs the ability to overcome narrow passages (such as pipes, holes, gaps, etc.) with large range of variable size. Dynamic simulations with detailed three-dimensional model are carried out to verify the gait planning and provide the variations of essential motion and dynamic parameters in each mode. An experimental robotic system with servo and pneumatic actuation systems is built, experiments are carried out to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the different locomotion functions, and its motion performances are compared and analyzed with collected data.
Investigation of ball burnishing processing on mechanical characteristics of wooden elements
Authors: Babic M , Kocovic V , Vukelic D , Mihajlovic G , Eric M , Tadic B
Published: March 2016

Numerous research results indicate that the finishing processing of metal materials using ball burnishing has positive effects from the aspect of surface roughness decrease to the hardness increase in the surface layers of the processed materials. Little research has been devoted to this type of processing for nonmetal materials. This paper presents research results related to the influence of ball burnishing processing on the hardness increase of a wooden element. It was determined that the hardness can be increased up to three times for processing of wood using this technology, which is not the case for processing of metal materials.
Robust adaptive sliding sector control and control allocation of a missile with aerodynamic control surfaces and reaction jets
Authors: Xu Biao , Zhou Di , Liang Zhuo , Zhou Guofeng
Published: March 2016

Based on L2 optimal control allocation, an autopilot design approach is proposed for the missile with aerodynamic control surfaces and reaction jets. The control system involves a control allocator and a virtual control law. A robust sliding sector with a parameter update law is proposed to deal with unmatched parameter uncertainties and unknown disturbances in the system. Then a control law is designed to produce virtual control effort signals by using the robust adaptive sliding sector. In order to distribute the virtual signals to the aerodynamic control surfaces and reaction jets on the missile, a control allocator is designed by L2 optimal control allocation strategy. Simulation results show that the missile control system tracks the acceleration command fast and smoothly. In the tracking process, aerodynamic control surfaces cooperate with reaction jets, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A novel method for spacecraft electrical fault detection based on FCM clustering and WPSVM classification with PCA feature extraction
Authors: Li Ke , Wu Yalei , Song Shimin , sun Yi , Wang Jun , Li Yang
Published: March 2016

The measurement of spacecraft electrical characteristics and multi-label classification issues are generally including a large amount of unlabeled test data processing, high-dimensional feature redundancy, time-consumed computation, and identification of slow rate. In this paper, a fuzzy c-means offline (FCM) clustering algorithm and the approximate weighted proximal support vector machine (WPSVM) online recognition approach have been proposed to reduce the feature size and improve the speed of classification of electrical characteristics in the spacecraft. In addition, the main component analysis for the complex signals based on the principal component feature extraction is used for the feature selection process. The data capture contribution approach by using thresholds is furthermore applied to resolve the selection problem of the principal component analysis (PCA), which effectively guarantees the validity and consistency of the data. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach in this paper can obtain better fault diagnosis results of the spacecraft electrical characteristics’ data, improve the accuracy of identification, and shorten the computing time with high efficiency.
Values and Prosocial Behaviour in the Global Context: Why Values Predict Public Support for Foreign Development Assistance to Developing Countries
Authors: Bayram A. Burcu
Published: March 2016

Do basic human values facilitate prosocial behaviour on a global scale? This study, for the first time, analyzes the effect of values on prosocial behaviour in the context of public support for foreign development assistance. Support for foreign development assistance is a prosocial act intended to benefit the less fortunate in developing nations. Despite a plethora of evidence showing the effect of personal values on prosocial behaviour, the literature has neglected the value origins of support for development assistance. I argue that personal values play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ support for foreign development assistance. Using data from nationally representative samples covering 11 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, I show that self-transcendence and openness to change values, as defined by Schwartz’ theory of values, are reliable predictors of support for foreign development assistance. By linking human values to foreign development aid, this study expands the purview of values research to the domain of global governance and opens up new avenues of interdisciplinary inquiry that apply theories of values to different dimensions of world affairs.
Traumatic Grief and the Spousal Loss Model
Authors: Levinson Deborah S. , Prigerson Holly
Published: March 2016

Traumatic grief (TG) is an evolving new diagnostic category for the Psychiatric Manual that identifies people experiencing an extreme grief reaction to spousal death. Studies indicate that patients experiencing TG have impairment in all functional spheres—mental, physical, and social. The Spousal Loss Model is a three-stage model framing life transition adjustment following spousal loss. Multiple case studies illustrate how the Spousal Loss Model provides a useful framework for defining interventions that reduce extreme symptomatology experienced by people diagnosed with TG.
Being a Man about it: The Marginalization of Men in Grief
Authors: Zinner Ellen S.
Published: March 2016

American men tend to be marginalized in grief and loss. The commonly held view of effective grieving does a disservice to those mourners who engage in a more closed style of grieving. Conventional-style grievers are more willing to express their emotions related to loss and are therefore more apt to be recognized and supported by others. The masculine grief response, a style popularly portrayed by U.S. American males and endorsed as gender appropriate, leads to the marginalizing of such survivors. Strategies for supporting masculine-style grieving need to acknowledge the legitimacy and use the strengths of this mode of responding to loss.
The Transition from Well Person to “Pain Afflicted” Patient: The Career of People with Chronic Back Pain
Authors: Holloway Immy , Sofaer Beatrice , Walker Jan
Published: March 2016

This article aims to show how people with chronic back pain manage the status passage from being well persons to becoming “pain afflicted” patients and how they see their own progression through the pain career path. This is examined through in-depth narrative interviews. The data were processed through thematic analysis. It was found that during the transition, a change in perceived identity occurs and that people grieve over the loss of their former selves, their future, social relationships, and occupational careers. The article also reflects on the value of narratives in revealing transformations over time. This technique is intended to capture evolving self-understandings of personal identity as persons negotiate the path through complex and critical life events.
Living and Dying in Different Worlds: Gender Differences in Violent Death and Grief
Authors: Stillion Judith M. , Noviello Susan B.
Published: March 2016

This article examines gender differences in violent death rates by age and ethnicity. Data of U.S. accident, homicide, and suicide death rates show that males die from violent deaths more often than females at all ages, with African American males having the highest violent death rates of all ethnic groups. Factors that contribute to the higher violent death rate for males include an inherited tendency toward aggression, socialization practices that endorse violence, and an environment that models and supports violence for males. Gender differences in grieving a violent death are also examined, revealing that males and females often utilize different grieving styles. Males favor an instrumental approach and females rely on intuitive grieving styles, but the article suggests that this may not be the healthiest pattern of grieving for all people. It concludes with the hypothesis that a more instrumental approach to grieving might include finding ways to decrease violence in socialization practices and in the environment.
A Personal Journey through Grief
Authors: Pathy Mary Ann
Published: March 2016

In this personal journey of grief, the author compares and contrasts her grief reactions and process of mourning at two stages of life. The first death, that of her father, occurred when she was thirteen and resulted in unresolved grief that later led to two suicide attempts and chronic depression. The second death, that of her best friend, occurred forty-eight years later. This time, she buried none of her feelings, and there was catharsis and healing. With this second death, she felt angry that her friend had died with so much turmoil in her life and without finding peace. These feelings catapulted her back to the time of her father's death. The author concludes that while all losses are traumatic, the consequences of a childhood loss are more devastating than at any other stage of life. For a child, the death of a parent is the loss that is forever.
AIDS Bereavement Supports in an African American Church: A Model for Facilitator Training
Authors: Moore Penelope J.
Published: March 2016

There has been very little (if any) attention given to the training needs of lay leaders to develop and facilitate AIDS bereavement support groups in an African American church. This article describes a model of facilitator training based on the principles of adult education and emphasizes experiental and didactic components of a six-session training program. Six participants (lay leaders) were designated for training by the senior pastor of the congregation. Feedback from participants suggests that this model of facilitator training is culturally sensitive and relevant to meeting the needs of AIDS grievers.
Plantaris Excision and Ventral Paratendinous Scraping for Achilles Tendinopathy in an Athletic Population
Authors: Bedi Harvinder S. , Jowett Charlie , Ristanis Stavros , Docking Sean , Cook Jill
Published: March 2016

Background:

Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent problem in high-level athletes. Recent research has proposed a combined etiologic role for the plantaris tendon and neovascularization. Both pathologies can be observed on ultrasound imaging.1,13 However, little is known about the change in structure of the Achilles tendon following the surgical treatment of these issues. The purpose of the study was to assess if excising the plantaris and performing ventral paratendinous “scraping” of the neovascularization improved symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy and whether there was a change in the fibrillar structure of the tendon with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) following this operation.

Methods:

This prospective consecutive case series included 15 professional/semiprofessional athletes (17 Achilles tendons) who underwent plantaris excision and paratendinous scraping to treat noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. The plantaris tendon was excised if adherent to the Achilles tendon, and the area of neovascularization for scraping was demarcated on preoperative imaging. Preoperative and postoperative Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores were taken. UTC was performed on 11 of 17 tendons preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was for 25 months.

Results:

Fourteen of 15 patients had a successful outcome after the surgery. The mean VISA-A improved from 51 to 95 (p=.0001). There was a statistically significant (p=.04) improvement in the aligned fibrillar structure of the tendon confirmed with UTC scanning following surgery from 90% (±8) to 96% (±5).

Conclusion:

This group of high-level athletes derived an excellent clinical result from this operation. Furthermore, UTC scanning offered an objective method to evaluate the healing of Achilles tendons.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Outcome of Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Impingement of the Ankle
Authors: Carreira Dominic S. , Vora Anand Mahesh , Hearne Kelly L. , Kozy John
Published: March 2016

Background:

Open and arthroscopic techniques have been utilized in the treatment of posterior impingement of the ankle and hindfoot. Because posterior impingement occurs more frequently in patients who repetitively plantarflex the ankle, this population may especially benefit from a procedure that reduces pain and results in maximal range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of hindfoot endoscopy in patients with posterior ankle impingement through a higher level of function outcome measures and physical examination parameters, focused on analysis of ROM.

Methods:

Twenty patients were followed prospectively at a minimum 1-year follow-up (mean 38.2 months). Nineteen of 20 patients were competitive athletes. Patients completed a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Diagnoses included os trigonum, tibial exostosis, talar exostosis, loose body or fracture nonunion, and ganglion cyst removal. Patients underwent arthroscopic treatment utilizing a posterior approach; all relevant pathology was addressed.

Results:

At the most recent follow-up, visual analog scale pain and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores showed significant improvement ( P < .01) pre- to postoperatively; Tegner score remained unchanged ( P = .888). Three patients were professional athletes; all returned to their previous level of professional activity. ROM variables between affected and unaffected sides reached statistical similarity at the most recent follow-up. Only ankle plantarflexion reached statistical significance when compared pre- to postoperatively. Fifteen percent of patients reported postoperative neuritis.

Conclusions:

Posterior ankle arthroscopy allowed for maintenance or restoration of anatomic ROM of the ankle and hindfoot, ability to return to at least previous level of activity, and improvement in objective assessment of pain relief and higher level of function parameters. Complications associated with this procedure were minimal.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Identifying Careless Responding With the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Revised Validity Scales
Authors: Marcus David K. , Church Abere Sawaqdeh , O’Connell Debra , Lilienfeld Scott O.
Published: March 2016

The Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Revised (PPI-R) includes validity scales that assess Deviant Responding (DR), Virtuous Responding, and Inconsistent Responding. We examined the utility of these scales for identifying careless responding using data from two online studies that examined correlates of psychopathy in college students (Sample 1: N = 583; Sample 2: N = 454). Compared with those below the cut scores, those above the cut on the DR scale yielded consistently lower validity coefficients when PPI-R scores were correlated with corresponding scales from the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure. The other three PPI-R validity scales yielded weaker and less consistent results. Participants who completed the studies in an inordinately brief amount of time scored significantly higher on the DR and Virtuous Responding scales than other participants. Based on the findings from the current studies, researchers collecting PPI-R data online should consider identifying and perhaps screening out respondents with elevated scores on the DR scale.