bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synopsis and lectotypification of Distimake rhyncorhiza (Dalzell) Simões & Staples (Convolvulaceae): a little known species from the Western Ghats (India)
Authors: SIMÕES ANA RITA , MORE SUSHANT
Published: February 2018

We present a synopsis of a rare and little-known species of Distimake from Western India: a complete morphological description based on recent collections is provided, and nomenclature and typification issues are resolved. The fruit and seeds are described for the first time. With new morphological evidence and a full characterization of D. rhyncorhiza, the present study corroborates its placement in Distimake and supports its identity as a distinct species. The conservation status is assessed as Endangered but its distribution range is not yet fully documented and this assessment might be reviewed if more collections are made.
Taxonomy of the genus Miobdelus Sharp, 1889 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) and five new species from China
Authors: HE LIANG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: February 2018

Five new species of the rove beetle genus Miobdelus Sharp, 1889 are described from South China: Miobdelus wolongensis He and Zhou, sp. nov., Miobdelus wangi He and Zhou, sp. nov., Miobdelus chrysanthemoides He and Zhou, sp. nov., Miobdelus chrysochromatus He and Zhou, sp. nov. and Miobdelus baoxingensis He and Zhou, sp. nov. Line drawings and color illustrations of adults and genitalia are given for the five new species, as well as other twelve known species, namely, Miobdelus atricornis Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus biseriatus Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus caelestis Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus egregius Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus eppelsheimi (Reitter, 1887), Miobdelus gemellus Smetana, 2005, Miobdelus inornatus Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus insignitus Smetana, 2011, Miobdelus insolens Smetana, 2011, Miobdelus kubani Smetana, 2001, Miobdelus lacustris Smetana, 2001 and Miobdelus purpurascens Smetana, 2001. A key to all the species of the genus Miobdelus Sharp, 1889 is provided.
Tricorythodes macuira (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae), new species from Colombia
Authors: MARTINEZ CRISTIAN E. GRANADOS , DIAS LUCIMAR GOMES , MOLINERI CARLOS
Published: February 2018

Tricorythodes macuira sp n. is described and illustrated based on nymphs of both sexes and eggs from Colombia. This species can be recognized by the following combination of characters: maxillary palp 2-segmented and small, pronotum with rounded anterolateral projection, pronotum and mesonotum with thick and long setae on margins, femora I and II with transverse row of long setae at dorsum, tarsal claws with marginal row of 5–8 denticles and subdistal double row of 4-2 + 1-2 submarginal denticles, subtriangular operculate gills shaded black on a basal stripe, ventralmost lamellae of gills III–V with dorsal extension very well developed, abdominal segments VII–IX with small posterolateral spines. Eggs with one polar cap, polygonal chorionic plates with elevated margins and long adhesive filaments near the uncapped pole.
Taxonomy and distribution of Terebellides (Polychaeta: Trichobranchidae) in the northern South China Sea, with description of three new species
Authors: ZHANG JINGHUAI , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: February 2018

Benthic ecology monitoring in the northern South China Sea revealed many individuals of the polychaete genus Terebellides (Annelida), which are common in soft sediments in shallow waters (4.5–41.0 m). Three new species of Terebellides are described, including T. guangdongensis n. sp., T. yangi n. sp. and T. ectopium n. sp. Terebellides guangdongensis n. sp. is mainly found in Guangdong waters. Terebellides yangi n. sp. and T. ectopium n. sp. are mainly found in Beibu Gulf. A key to all described species of Terebellides from the Northwestern Pacific is given.
A new species of Pseudione Kossmann, 1881 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Bopyridae) parasitizing the squat lobster Munida microphthalma A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: BRITO AYRTON , CARDOSO IRENE AZEVEDO , BOYKO CHRISTOPHER B.
Published: February 2018

A new species of Pseudione Kossmann, 1881, is described from 21 parasitized individuals of the squat lobster Munida microphthalma A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, collected in Brazilian waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The new species belongs to the Pseudione “crénéles” group sensu Bourdon (1976). The number of specimens obtained as well as the life history stage diversity of the type series, consisting of mature females, mature males, subadult males and cryptoniscus larvae, are unusually large for bopyrid isopod type series.
On the Role of NAO-Driven Interannual Variability in Rainfall Seasonality on Water Resources and Hydrologic Design in a Typical Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Corona Roberto , Montaldo Nicola , Albertson John D.
Published: February 2018

In the last several decades, extended dry periods have affected the Mediterranean area with dramatic impacts on water resources. Climate models are predicting further warming, with negative effects on water availability. The authors analyze the hydroclimatic tendencies of a typical Mediterranean basin, the Flumendosa basin located in Sardinia, an island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, where in the last 30 years a sequence of dry periods has seriously impacted the water management system. Interestingly, in the historic record the annual runoff reductions have been more pronounced than the annual precipitation reductions. This paper performs an analysis that links this runoff decrease to changes in the total annual precipitation and its seasonal structure. The seasonality is a key determinant of the surface runoff process, as it reflects the degree to which rainfall is concentrated during the winter. The observed reductions in winter precipitation are shown here to be well correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.5) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. Considering the predictability of the winter NAO, there is by extension an opportunity to predict future winter precipitation and runoff tendencies. The recent hydroclimatic trends are shown to impact hydrologic design criteria for water resources planning. The authors demonstrate that there is a dangerous increase of the drought severity viewed from the perspective of water resources planning.
Drogue-Loss Detection for Surface Drifters during the Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER)
Authors: Haza A. C. , D’Asaro E. , Chang H. , Chen S. , Curcic M. , Guigand C. , Huntley H. S. , Jacobs G. , Novelli G. , Özgökmen T. M. , Poje A. C. , Ryan E. , Shcherbina A.
Published: February 2018

The Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER) was designed to study surface flows during winter conditions in the northern Gulf of Mexico. More than 1000 mostly biodegradable drifters were launched. The drifters consisted of a surface floater extending 5 cm below the surface, containing the satellite tracking system, and a drogue extending 60 cm below the surface, hanging beneath the floater on a flexible tether. On some floats, the drogue separated from the floater during storms. This paper describes methods to detect drogue loss based on two properties that distinguish drogued from undrogued drifters. First, undrogued drifters often flip over, pointing their satellite antenna downward and thus intermittently reducing the frequency of GPS fixes. Second, undrogued drifters respond to wind forcing more than drogued drifters. A multistage analysis is used: first, two properties are used to create a preliminary drifter classification; then, the motion of each unclassified drifter is compared to that of its classified neighbors in an iterative process for nearly all of the drifters. The algorithm classified drifters with a known drogue status with an accuracy of virtually 100%. Drogue loss times were estimated with a precision of less than 0.5 and 3 h for 60% and 85% of the drifters, respectively. An estimated 40% of the drifters lost their drogues in the first 7 weeks, with drogue loss coinciding with storm events, particularly those with steep waves. Once the drogued and undrogued drifters are classified, they can be used to quantify the differences in material dispersion at different depths.
Why Is the Woman of Endor Portrayed as a Heroine?
Authors: Kim Koowon
Published: February 2018

The most troubling aspect of the episode of Saul visiting the woman of Endor is the positive portrayal of the female medium not only in her ability to bring up Samuel’s ghost from the underworld but also in her selfless efforts to restore exhausted Saul to strength after séance. No less troubling is the fact that Samuel’s authentic prophecy sits in the narrative frame of necromantic divination that Deuteronomy strongly condemns. To top it off, the invoked Samuel does not accuse Saul of the sin of divination, nor does the narrator appear to condemn the female medium for her role in it. This paper is an attempt at answering these questions. I will argue that to answer these questions properly one needs to differentiates between the two processes involved in necromancy; namely, invocation of a ghost and divination by it. The narrator deliberately makes a distinction between the two in the text, which reflects his two-track approach to the cult of the dead practiced in ancient Israel. The narrator does not condemn the female medium for what she does, namely, invocation. He makes her practically disappear from the séance scene and makes her reappear in the meal scene. He positively portrays her as being successful in her job of bringing up the dead, and as showing kindness and sympathy to the despondent king by providing a meal for him. All this has to do with ancestor cult. The narrator, however, makes necromantic divination look ineffective and condemns Saul for resorting to divination, while presenting the message of Prophet Samuel as being authentic. Thus, the narrator shares the Deuteronomic attitude toward divination and condemns necromancy in 1 Sam 28:3–25, but he accommodates the idea of invoking the dead which was an integral part of ancestor cult.
Does Medical Expansion Improve Population Health?
Authors: Zheng Hui , George Linda K.
Published: February 2018

Medical expansion has become a prominent dynamic in today’s societies as the biomedical model becomes increasingly dominant in the explanation of health, illness, and other human problems and behavior. Medical expansion is multidimensional and represented by expansions in three major components of the healthcare system: increasing medical investment, medical professionalization/specialization, and the relative size of the pharmaceutical industry. Using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development health data and World Development Indicators 1981 to 2007, we find medical investment and medical professionalization/specialization significantly improve all three measures of life expectancy and decrease mortality rate even after controlling for endogeneity problems. In contrast, an expanded pharmaceutical industry is negatively associated with female life expectancy at age 65 and positively associated with the all-cause mortality rate. It further compromises the beneficial effect of medical professionalization/specialization on population health. In general, medical professionalization/specialization and gross domestic product per capita have similar and stronger effects than medical investment.
Organized Armed Groups as Ruling Organizations
Authors: Haldén Peter
Published: February 2018

Previous studies of the cohesion of organized armed groups (OAGs) have made great progress, but they have mostly focused on units fighting for modern Western states. I argue that the study of OAGs that contain their own legitimacy requires a broadened theoretical framework. Such groups may be conceptualized as “ruling organizations” in Max Weber’s terminology. Examples of such groups range from early medieval warbands to modern militias and guerrillas. Members of ruling organizations obey commands for a combination of three reasons: rational, traditional, and charismatic—these in turn form the basis of the legitimacy of the organization. Pinpointing the foundations of obedience in a group provides us with another way of emphasizing weak points that we want to either target or reinforce. This study contributes theoretically to the study of cohesion by linking it to theories of legitimacy in political orders.
Tacit Knowledge, Secrecy, and Intelligence Assessments
Authors: Vogel Kathleen M. , Dennis Michael A.
Published: February 2018

With the noted intelligence failures prior to the September 11 attacks and the 2003 Iraq War, the US intelligence community has recognized the need to acquire new, outside expertise to mitigate against future intelligence breakdowns. This recent attention on intelligence outreach provides Science and Technology Studies (STS) scholars with an opportunity to consider the role they might play in these efforts, as well as the various opportunities and difficulties that can shape these relationships, and the types of knowledge that can be produced and known from engagements with these secret communities. This paper provides a reflection on how two STS scholars have attempted to intervene into intelligence and the lessons learned.
Short stature is associated with the development of lower limb ischaemia during extracorporeal life support
Authors: Park Byoung-Won , Lee So-Ryoung , Lee Min-Ho , Bang Duk Won , Hyon Min-Su , Chang Won-Ho , Oh Hong Chul , Park Young Woo , Park Suyeon
Published: February 2018

Background:

Percutaneous cannulation of femoral vessels has been widely used for the rapid deployment of extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Limb ischaemia is a devastating complication in patients receiving ECLS. Our aim was to evaluate the predictors of limb ischaemia during ECLS and to determine the role of preventative distal perfusion.

Methods:

Two hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients who received veno-arterial ECLS due to cardiac and/or respiratory failure were enrolled from January 2009 to December 2015. All patients received ECLS for more than 6 hours and the data was reviewed retrospectively. Distal perfusion to minimise lower limb ischaemia was performed at the discretion of the physician. Predictors for lower limb ischaemia during ECLS were analysed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

For the 255 patients, the mean age was 58 and 177 (69.4%) were male. Limb ischaemia developed in 24 patients (9.4%); 178 patients (69.8%) died within 30 days. Among the 24 patients, one patient (4.2%) developed limb ischaemia with preventative distal perfusion. Fourteen patients (58.3%) received therapeutic distal perfusion. After distal perfusion, two patients (8.3%) still required surgical intervention. Limb ischaemia was more frequent in female patients (54.2% in the ischaemia group versus 28.1% in the non-ischaemia group, p=0.008) and shorter patients (162.0 ± 9.5 cm in the ischaemia group versus 166.3 ± 9.1 cm in the non-ischaemia group, p=0.027). Patients shorter than 165 cm were more commonly diagnosed with ischaemia compared to those who were taller than 165 cm (79.2% versus 40.7%, p<0.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, height under 165 cm was the only predictor for limb ischaemia (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 12.645 [3.190-50.118]).

Conclusion:

Smaller female patients are more prone to developing limb ischaemia from femoral ECLS. Our findings might support preventative distal perfusion and more careful observation of these patients.
Antioxidant activity and apoptotic induction as mechanisms of action of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
Authors: Ahmed Wafaa , Mofed Dina , Zekri Abdel-Rahman , El-Sayed Nasr , Rahouma Mohamed , Sabet Salwa
Published: February 2018

Objective

To evaluate the antioxidant and apoptotic inductive effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) leaf extract against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Methods

After treating HepG2cells with Ashwagandha water extract (ASH-WX; 6.25 mg/ml–100 mg/ml), cell proliferation was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activities (total antioxidant, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase), Fas-ligand level, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were measured. Molecular modelling assessed the binding-free energies of Ashwagandha in the cyclin D1 receptor.

Results

The MTT assay demonstrated increased cytotoxicity following treatment of HepG2 cells with ASH-WX compared with control untreated cells and theIC50was 5% (approximately 5.0 mg/ml). Antioxidant activities, Fas-ligand levels and caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities significantly increased, while TNF-α level significantly decreased following ASH-WX treatment compared with control untreated cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed a good prediction of binding between cyclin D1 and Ashwagandha. There was significant accumulation of ASH-WX-treated HepG2cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases compared with the control untreated cells.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha could be a powerful antioxidant and a promising anticancer agent against HCC.
The Effects of Emotional Visual Context on the Encoding and Retrieval of Body Odor Information
Authors: Parma Valentina , Macedo Stephanie , Rocha Marta , Alho Laura , Ferreira Jacqueline , Soares Sandra C.
Published: February 2018

Conditions during information encoding and retrieval are known to influence the sensory material stored and its recapitulation. However, little is known about such processes in olfaction. Here, we capitalized on the uniqueness of body odors (BOs) which, similar to fingerprints, allow for the identification of a specific person, by associating their presentation to a negative or a neutral emotional context. One hundred twenty-five receivers (68 F) were exposed to a male BO while watching either criminal or neutral videos (encoding phase) and were subsequently asked to recognize the target BO within either a congruent or an incongruent visual context (retrieval phase). The results showed that criminal videos were rated as more vivid, unpleasant, and arousing than neutral videos both at encoding and retrieval. Moreover, in terms of BO ratings, we found that odor intensity and arousal allow to distinguish the target from the foils when congruent criminal information is presented at encoding and retrieval. Finally, the accuracy performance was not significantly different from chance level for either condition. These findings provide insights on how olfactory memories are processed in emotional situations.
The city-region and the challenge of its representation: The hierarchical network of newly built neighborhoods in the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area
Authors: Hatuka Tali , Bar Roni
Published: February 2018

This paper addresses the challenge of conceptualizing and analyzing contemporary city-regions, arguing that the definitions of the city-region are influenced by the methods used to explore it and that in most cases, regions are not either/or but rather are complex juxtapositions of (sometimes) conflicting concepts. In exploring this argument, the paper presents the contemporary tension between the concepts of “hierarchical” and “network,” with the latter often being viewed as the organizing logic of contemporary city-regionalism. Using the case of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area, the paper focuses on the development of new neighborhoods in the city-region, constructed from the 1990s onwards, and the effect of this development on the region as a whole. Although a socio-spatial analysis of this development reveals that the design of new neighborhoods follows a similar prototype that might reinforce the idea of an urban network, the geographical spread of new neighborhoods throughout the region reveals a hierarchical structure that preserves existing economic and political distinctions between the core and periphery. The questions addressed in this paper extend beyond the case of Tel Aviv and can be considered in the context of the “regional question” and the ongoing search for its contemporary representation.
Guided wave–based approach for ice detection on wind turbine blades
Authors: Shoja Siavash , Berbyuk Viktor , Boström Anders
Published: February 2018

An efficient ice detection system is an important tool to optimize the de-icing processes in wind turbines operating in cold climate regions. The aim of this work is to study the application of guided wave for ice detection on wind turbine blades. Computational model is developed to simulate guided wave propagation on composite structures. The model has been validated with experimental data obtained in cold climate laboratory. Effect of ice accretion on composite structures is studied in the time, frequency and wavenumber domains. In each case, post-processing algorithms as well as icing index are introduced which are sensitive to accumulated ice on the composite structure. The algorithms and icing index are applied to both simulation results and experimental data. Analysis of the obtained results has shown that the guided wave–based approach can be used for developing ice detection systems for wind turbine blades.
Engaging patients as partners in health research: Lessons from BC, Canada
Authors: Holmes Bev J. , Bryan Stirling , Ho Kendall , McGavin Colleen
Published: February 2018

Canada is seeing increased interest in engaging patients in health research, recognizing the potential to improve its relevance and quality. The momentum is promising, but there may be a tendency to ignore the challenges inherent when lay people and professionals collaborate. We address some of these challenges as they relate to recruitment, training, and support for patients at the British Columbia (BC) Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research Unit, part of Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research. A retrospective review of a telehealth project demonstrates that, as well as the practical elements of recruitment, training, and support, attention must be paid to issues of credibility, legitimacy, and power when engaging patients. We propose that all patient-oriented research projects would benefit from using a similar framework to guide patient engagement planning and implementation, helping to anticipate and mitigate challenges from the outset. Projects would ideally also include the study of patient engagement methods, to add to this important body of knowledge.
The ethics of silence: Does conflict of interest explain employee silence?
Authors: Anderson James
Published: February 2018

Employee silence constitutes a significant threat to organizational success. This article argues that silence is a by-product of a structural Conflict of Interest (COI) between employees and their employers. This argument turns on the claim, also defended here, that employees are in a privileged position vis-à-vis knowledge of their work and that leaders—whether they recognize it or not—are dependent on their employees for reliable information about the work they are doing. Employee voice, therefore, is an organizational necessity. It is also a moral achievement as it involves risking one’s personal interests for the sake of the organization. Leaders must take steps to mitigate COI and encourage employee voice; this article provides several strategies for doing exactly that.
Be Aware! If You Start Using Facebook Problematically You Will Feel Lonely: Phubbing, Loneliness, Self-esteem, and Facebook Intrusion. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Błachnio Agata , Przepiorka Aneta
Published: February 2018

Smartphones are an integral part of people’s life. The aim of the study was to expand the knowledge on the individual determinants of “phubbing.” Two dimensions of phubbing—communication disturbance and phone obsession—were taken into consideration. We tested the model of relations between phubbing, self-esteem, loneliness, and satisfaction with life. We administered the Phubbing Scale, the Facebook Intrusion Scale, the Loneliness Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Self-Esteem Scale. The participants in the online study were 597 Polish users of mobile phones, with a mean age of M = 21.22 ( SD = 6.52, range: 16–78). The results showed Facebook intrusion to be a cause of phubbing. Women scored higher than men on both dimensions of phubbing. A low level of self-esteem and satisfaction with life predicted Facebook intrusion. Additionally, a low level of loneliness was a predictor of Facebook intrusion, which in turn was a predictor of loneliness. The results demonstrate the multidimensional nature of phubbing and suggest new directions for future studies.
Are You Moving Up or Falling Short? An Inquiry of Skills-based Variation in Self-perceived Employability among Norwegian Employees
Authors: Drange Ida , Bernstrøm Vilde Hoff , Mamelund Svenn-Erik
Published: February 2018

This article investigates how educational level, job-related skills and employers’ support for competence development jointly determine Norwegian employees’ expectations of maintaining employment and career advancement. The data were collected in 2010 and 2013, and they comprise a representative sample of Norwegian employees. In contrast to previous research on self-perceived employability, this study divides expectations of advancement and continued employment. The results show that these are different measures of labour market success. While education is significantly correlated with both measures, the employer’s support for competence development is important for expectations of career advancement, especially among the highly educated, whereas the job–skills match is most relevant for the expectation of maintaining employment.
Numerical investigation of cavitation effect on two-phase oil film flow between a friction pair in hydro-viscous drive
Authors: Xie Fangwei , Zheng Xudong , Sheng Gang , Sun Qi , Agarwal Ramesh K
Published: February 2018

This paper describes a three-dimensional computational model of oil film between a friction pair to investigate the characteristics of both single-phase and two-phase flow of the oil film in hydro-viscous drive. For the single-phase oil film, the distribution of pressure is very regular from inlet to outlet of the friction pair; its value decreases gradually. On the other hand, the temperature in the middle part of the oil film is considerably lower and the velocity increases at a faster rate near the outlet and has a parabolic profile, which is mainly caused by both the shear stress and extrusion force. By comparison, the physical phenomena at the outlet of the oil film are entirely different for two-phase flow with cavitation. For two-phase simulation of flow with cavitation, we first obtain the volume fraction of air bubbles at rotation speeds of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 revolutions/min. With increase in the rotation speed, the volume fraction of air bubbles increases, and their maximum value becomes even greater than 10%. Furthermore, due to cavitation, the torque transferred by the oil film is no longer linear with the rotation speed; its value decreases gradually. These results are important in the study of hydro-viscous drive and its applications; they shed a new light on the mechanism of power transmission through oil film in the presence of cavitation.
Analytical nonlinear flutter and sensitivity analysis of aircraft wings subjected to a transverse follower force
Authors: Zafari E , Jalili MM , Mazidi A
Published: February 2018

In the present study, the nonlinear aeroelastic and sensitivity analysis of high aspect ratio wings subjected to a transverse follower force are discussed. A nonlinear structural model of wings is extracted and coupled with an incompressible unsteady aerodynamic model. The governing equations of motions are obtained via Hamilton’s principle and Galerkin method. Utilizing the method of multiple-scales, analytical approximate flutter response of the system is obtained. For validation, the analytical solution is compared with numerical solution and good agreement is observed. The time history of the tip displacement and tip twist solution are plotted for different airspeeds. Effects of follower force and its spanwise location and also the wing geometric characteristics on the flutter margin are discussed. Moreover, flutter margin sensitivity to different design parameters is analyzed. Results indicate that increasing the wing chord makes the system unstable. Furthermore, according to the analytical solution, effects of the wing chord and mass per unit length on the flutter margins are more important than the other system parameters.
Comparison of rigid and semi-rigid instrumentation under acute load on vertebrae treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures: An experimental study
Authors: Önen Mehmet Reşid , Başgül Cemile , Yılmaz İlhan , Özkaya Mustafa , Demir Teyfik , Naderi Sait
Published: February 2018

Rigid and semi-rigid fixations are investigated several times in order to compare their biomechanical stability. Interbody fusion techniques are also preferable for maintaining the sagittal balance by protecting the disk height. In this study, the biomechanical comparison of semi-rigid and rigid fixations with posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures is conducted under trauma. There were four different test groups to analyze the effect of acute load on treated ovine vertebrae. First and second groups were fixed with polyetheretherketone rods and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages, respectively. Third and fourth groups were fixed with titanium rods and posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion cages, respectively. The drop tests were conducted with 7 kg weight. There were six samples in each group so the drop test repeated 24 times in total. The test samples were photographed and X-rayed (laterally and anteroposteriorly) before and after drop test. Two fractures were observed on group 1. Conversely, there were no fractures observed for group 2. There were no anterior element fractures for both groups 1 and 2. However, one fracture seen on group 3 was anterior element fracture, whereas the other three were posterior element fractures. All three fractures were anterior element fractures for group 4. Treated vertebrae with polyetheretherketone rods and posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages showed the best durability to the drop tests among the groups. Semi-rigid fixation gave better results than rigid fixation according to failed segments. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages seem to be better option for semi-rigid fixation, however mentioned surgical disadvantages must be considered.
Risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections in noninjecting drug users: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Guimarães Rafael A , Monteiro Luiz HB , Teles Sheila A , Fernandes Inaina L , Rodovalho Aurélio G , Silva Graciele C , Lucchese Roselma , Vera Ivânia , Silva Andrécia C , Gregório Valéria D , Ferreira Priscilla M , de Almeida Mayara MS , Guimarães Vanessa A , Amorim Thiago A , de Souza Marise R
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in noninjecting drug users (NIDUs), using STI diagnosis history as an indicator. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 323 NIDUs of two facilities for alcohol and/or drug dependence treatment in the Goiás State, Central Brazil. All participants were interviewed about risk behaviors and STI history. Multivariable analysis was performed in order to identify predictors of STIs. Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with confidence intervals of 95% was obtained using a Poisson regression model. Prevalence of self-reported STIs in the previous 12 months was 25.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 21.0–30.4%). A multivariable model verified that age (APR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01), sexual contact with partners diagnosed with STIs (APR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.12–1.45) and injecting drug users (IDUs) (APR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.31), exchange sex for money and/or drugs (APR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02–1.21), and a history of sexual violence (APR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.04–1.32) were predictors of STIs. Elevated rates of STI history and risk behaviors were observed in NIDUs, supporting the vulnerability of this group for these infections. Public policies and health outreach should be intensified in this population, principally regular STI testing of individuals in treatment for drug dependence and their sexual partners.
Life goes on: Archaeobotanical investigations of diet and ritual at Angkor Thom, Cambodia (14th–15th centuries CE)
Authors: Castillo Cristina Cobo , Polkinghorne Martin , Vincent Brice , Suy Tan Boun , Fuller Dorian Q
Published: February 2018

This is the first time an archaeobotanical analysis based on macroremains, both charred and desiccated, from Cambodia is reported. The archaeobotanical samples are rich and provide evidence of rice processing, consumption of non-indigenous pulses, and the use of economic crops. The evidence is supported by data from inscriptions, texts and historical ethnography. This study demonstrates that the city of Angkor in the 14th and 15th centuries CE, despite its decline, was still occupied. Angkor’s inhabitants continued their everyday lives cultivating and consuming their staple food, rice, with a suite of pulses, and also used the harvests in the performance of rituals.
Defined Culture Conditions Accelerate Small-molecule-assisted Neural Induction for the Production of Neural Progenitors from Human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Walsh Patrick , Truong Vincent , Hill Caitlin , Stoflet Nicolas D. , Baden Jessica , Low Walter C. , Keirstead Susan A. , Dutton James R. , Parr Ann M.
Published: February 2018

The use of defined conditions for derivation, maintenance, and differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provides a superior experimental platform to discover culture responses to differentiation cues and elucidate the basic requirements for cell differentiation and fate restriction. Adoption of defined systems for reprogramming, undifferentiated growth, and differentiation of hiPSCs was found to significantly influence early stage differentiation signaling requirements and temporal kinetics for the production of primitive neuroectoderm. The bone morphogenic protein receptor agonist LDN-193189 was found to be necessary and sufficient for neural induction in a monolayer system with landmark antigens paired box 6 and sex-determining region Y-box 1 appearing within 72 h. Preliminary evidence suggests this neuroepithelium was further differentiated to generate ventral spinal neural progenitors that produced electrophysiologically active neurons in vitro, maintaining viability posttransplantation in an immunocompromised host. Our findings support current developments in the field, demonstrating that adoption of defined reagents for the culture and manipulation of pluripotent stem cells is advantages in terms of simplification and acceleration of differentiation protocols, which will be critical for future clinical translation.
Magnetic Targeting of Stem Cell Derivatives Enhances Hepatic Engraftment into Structurally Normal Liver
Authors: Fagg W. Samuel , Liu Naiyou , Yang Ming-Jim , Cheng Ke , Chung Eric , Kim Jae-Sung , Wu Gordon , Fair Jeffrey
Published: February 2018

Attaining consistent robust engraftment in the structurally normal liver is an obstacle for cellular transplantation. Most experimental approaches to increase transplanted cells’ engraftment involve recipient-centered deleterious methods such as partial hepatectomy or irradiation which may be unsuitable in the clinic. Here, we present a cell-based strategy that increases engraftment into the structurally normal liver using a combination of magnetic targeting and proliferative endoderm progenitor (EPs) cells. Magnetic labeling has little effect on cell viability and differentiation, but in the presence of magnetic targeting, it increases the initial dwell time of transplanted EPs into the undamaged liver parenchyma. Consequently, greater cell retention in the liver is observed concomitantly with fewer transplanted cells in the lungs. These highly proliferative cells then significantly increase their biomass over time in the liver parenchyma, approaching nearly 4% of total liver cells 30 d after transplant. Therefore, the cell-based mechanisms of increased initial dwell time through magnetic targeting combined with high rate of proliferation in situ yield significant engraftment in the undamaged liver.
Efficacy of Cellular Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Zhang Ye , Deng Hong , Tang Zhouping
Published: February 2018

Diabetes mellitus is a widely spread chronic disease with growing incidence worldwide, and diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Cellular therapy has shown promise in the management of diabetic foot ulcer in many preclinical experiments and clinical researches. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cellular therapy in the management of diabetic foot ulcer. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 2017 for randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of cellular therapy in diabetic foot ulcer, and a meta-analysis was conducted. A total of 6 randomized controlled clinical trials involving 241 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that cellular therapy could help accelerating the healing of diabetic foot ulcer, presented as higher ankle-brachial index (mean difference = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11 to 0.23), higher transcutaneous oxygen pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09– to 1.78), higher ulcer healing rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.25), higher amputation-free survival (RR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.40), and lower scale of pain (SMD = −1.69; 95% CI, −2.05 to −1.33). Furthermore, cellular therapy seemed to be safe, with no serious complications and low risk of short-term slight complications. Cellular therapy could accelerate the rate of diabetic foot ulcer healing and may be more efficient than standard therapy for diabetic foot treatment.
Optimized Longitudinal Monitoring of Stem Cell Grafts in Mouse Brain Using a Novel Bioluminescent/Near Infrared Fluorescent Fusion Reporter
Authors: Mezzanotte Laura , Iljas Juvita Delancy , Que Ivo , Chan Alan , Kaijzel Eric , Hoeben Rob , Löwik Clemens
Published: February 2018

Biodistribution and fate of transplanted stem cells via longitudinal monitoring has been successfully achieved in the last decade using optical imaging. However, sensitive longitudinal imaging of transplanted stem cells in deep tissue like the brain remains challenging not only due to low light penetration but because of other factors such as low or inferior expression levels of optical reporters in stem cells and stem cell death after transplantation. Here we describe an optimized imaging protocol for sensitive long-term monitoring of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) expressing a novel bioluminescent/near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) fusion reporter transplanted in mouse brain cortex. Lentivirus expressing the luc2-iRFP720 reporter, a fusion between luc2 codon-optimized firefly luciferase (luc2) and the gene encoding NIRF protein iRFP720, was generated to transduce hMSCs. These cells were analyzed for their fluorescent and bioluminescent emission and checked for their differentiation potential. In vivo experiments were performed by transplanting decreasing amounts of luc2-iRFP720 expressing hMSCs in mouse brain, followed by fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) starting 1 wk after cell injection when the blood–brain barrier was restored. Bioluminescent images were acquired when signals peaked and used to compare different luc2 substrate performances, that is, D-luciferin (D-Luc; 25 μM/kg or 943 μM/kg) or CycLuc1 (25 μM/kg). Results showed that luc2-iRFP720 expressing hMSCs maintained a good in vitro differentiation potential toward adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes, suggesting that lentiviral transduction did not affect cell behavior. Moreover, in vivo experiments allowed us to image as low as 1 × 105 cells using both fluorescence and BLI. The highest bioluminescent signals (∼1 × 107 photons per second) were achieved 15 min after the injection of D-Luc (943 μM/kg). This allowed us to monitor as low as 1 × 105 hMSCs for the subsequent 7 wk without a significant drop in bioluminescent signals, suggesting the sustained viability of hMSCs transplanted into the cortex.
Use of ultrasound to predict difficult intubation in Chinese population by assessing the ratio of the pre‐epiglottis space distance and the distance between epiglottis and vocal folds
Authors: Chan Sze Man Mandy , Wong Wai Yip , Lam Shing Kit Tommy , Wong Oi Fung , Law Wing Sze Stephanie , Shiu Wing Yung Yolanda , Mak Pui Yee Emma
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To investigate the accuracy of using the ratio of pre‐epiglottis space distance (Pre‐E) and the distance between the epiglottis and the vocal folds (Pre‐E/E‐VF) measured by the ultrasound to predict potential difficult airway in the Chinese population.

Design:

A prospective clinical study.

Setting:

The pre‐operative assessment service clinic of Tuen Mun Hospital.

Patients:

Patients with age of 18 years or above, who were scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Results:

A total of 113 patients with direct laryngoscopic assessment during elective operations were included. Thirty‐nine (34.5%) patients had potential difficult airway which was defined as documented Cormack–Lehane classification grade 2b, 3, or 4 by the anesthetists. Measurement of the distance from the epiglottis to the anterior vocal folds (Pre‐E/aVF) ratio had better inter‐rater reliability and accuracy comparing to the measurements of the distances from the epiglottis to the midpoint between the vocal folds and to the posterior vocal folds. The performance of using the Pre‐E/aVF ratio to predict potential difficult airway was compared with other clinical tests (the Mallampati classification, the thyromental distance and the neck circumference to thyromental distance ratio). By using the Pre‐E/aVF ratio of 1, the sensitivity and specificity to predict a potential difficult airway were 79.5% and 39.2%, respectively (p = 0.044). The ultrasound assessment method had a comparable predictive value as the Mallampati classification (the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves 0.648 vs 0.687). The negative likelihood ratio of the ultrasound assessment method was the lowest among all the other airway assessment methods.

Conclusion:

The ultrasound airway assessment method could serve as a non‐invasive test and supplement the currently used clinical assessment methods. A lower cut‐off point of the Pre‐E/E‐VF ratio should be used in the Chinese population.
Medical Decision-Making for Adults Who Lack Decision-Making Capacity and a Surrogate: State of the Science
Authors: Kim Hyejin , Song Mi-Kyung
Published: February 2018

Background:

Adults who lack decision-making capacity and a surrogate (“unbefriended” adults) are a vulnerable, voiceless population in health care. But little is known about this population, including how medical decisions are made for these individuals.

Objective:

This integrative review was to examine what is known about unbefriended adults and identify gaps in the literature.

Methods:

Six electronic databases were searched using 4 keywords: “unbefriended,” “unrepresented patients,” “adult orphans,” and “incapacitated patients without surrogates.” After screening, the final sample included 10 data-based articles for synthesis.

Results:

Main findings include the following: (1) various terms were used to refer to adults who lack decision-making capacity and a surrogate; (2) the number of unbefriended adults was sizable and likely to grow; (3) approaches to medical decision-making for this population in health-care settings varied; and (4) professional guidelines and laws to address the issues related to this population were inconsistent. There have been no studies regarding the quality of medical decision-making and its outcomes for this population or societal impact.

Conclusion:

Extremely limited empirical data exist on unbefriended adults to develop strategies to improve how medical decisions are made for this population. There is an urgent need for research to examine the quality of medical decision-making and its outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Selected Parameters of Angiogenesis and the JAK2, CALR, and MPL Mutations in Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Gadomska Grażyna , Bartoszewska-Kubiak Alicja , Boinska Joanna , Matiakowska Karolina , Ziołkowska Katarzyna , Haus Olga , Rość Danuta
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate selected angiogenic factors in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) depending on JAK2V617F, calreticulin gene (CALR) and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL) mutations. Sixty ET patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The following tests were performed: vascular endothelial growth factor- A (VEGF-A), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1),soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2), platelet-derived growth factor( PDGF-BB), and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). We observed an increased PDGF-BB level in patients with ET compared to the controls. Patients with CALR mutation had significantly higher concentration of PDGF-BB and lower concentration of SDF-1α than patients with JAK2V617F mutation. High concentration of PDGF-BB and low concentration of SDF-1α in patients with CALR(+) ET may indicate a contribution of these chemokines in disturbed Ca2+ metabolism in platelets.
Evaluation of Psychometric Properties and Factorial Structure of ADHD Module of K-SADS-PL in Children From Rural Kenya
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Newton Charles R. J.C. , Abubakar Amina , Bitta Mary A. , Odhiambo Rachael , Phillips Owen Jacqueline
Published: February 2018

Objective: We determined the reliability of The Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children–Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL) for screening and diagnosing ADHD in children. Method: K-SADS-PL was administered to 2,074 children in the community. Psychometric properties, factorial structure, and clinical validity of K-SADS-PL in screening or diagnosis of ADHD were examined. Results: Internal consistency was excellent for items in the screening interview (Macdonald’s Omega [ω] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.87, 0.94]) and diagnostic supplement (ω = 0.95; 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]). The standardized coefficients for items in the screening interview were acceptable (0.59-0.85), while fit indices for single factorial structure reached acceptable levels. Screening items were associated with high sensitivity (97.8%; 95% CI [97.2, 98.5%]) and specificity (94.0%; 95% CI [93.0, 95.0%]) for diagnosis of ADHD in the supplement. The test-retest and interinformant reliability as measured by intraclass correlation coefficient was good for most of the items. Conclusion: This large study shows that K-SADS-PL can be reliably used to screen and diagnose ADHD in children in Kenya.