bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Psychometric Qualities of a Rating Scale to Assess Pre-Service Teachers’ Lesson Plan Development in the Context of a Secondary-Level Music Performance Classroom
Authors: Musselwhite Dorothy J. , Wesolowski Brian C.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric quality (i.e., validity and reliability) of a rating scale to assess pre-service teachers’ lesson plan development in the context of secondary-level music performance classrooms. The research questions that guided this study include: (1) What items demonstrate acceptable model fit for the construct of lesson plan development in the context of a secondary-level music performance classroom? (2) How does the structure of the rating scale vary across items? and (3) Does differential severity emerge for academic administrators or music education content specialists across items? Using multiple teacher effectiveness frameworks, the lesson plans in this study were evaluated using a 4-point Likert-type rating scale (e.g., strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree) consisting of five domains: (a) instructional planning, (b) instructional delivery, (c) differentiated instruction, (d) assessment uses, and (e) assessment strategies. Secondary-level school administrators ( n = 8) and music education content specialists ( n = 8) rated 32 lesson plans using a balanced incomplete assessment network. The multifaceted Rasch measurement partial credit model was used in this study. Results suggest higher rater severity among administrators than music specialists. Of the 68 potential pairwise interactions examined in the study, 5 (7.4 %) of those were found to be statistically significant, which indicates that 5 raters demonstrated differential severity across at least one lesson plan. Implications for student teacher preparation, teacher effectiveness, and the validity of measures are discussed.
It’s time to redefine the federal role in K-12 education
Authors: Jennings Jack
Published: August 2018

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), passed in 2015, succeeded in weakening the least popular parts of the No Child Left Behind act. But, argues Jack Jennings, it’s a purely reactive piece of legislation, offering no positive vision for the federal government’s role in addressing K-12 education’s most urgent problems. ESSA is still young, he notes, but Republicans and Democrats should already be hard at work crafting its replacement.
Leadership
Authors: Starr Joshua P.
Published: August 2018

Parents often have strong opinions about their children’s schools, and they’re not always shy about expressing them. Josh Starr describes his own experiences with vocal parents who opposed district policies and explains that school and district leaders would do well to seek out opinions from the less vocal parents.
Paul as an Early Witness to the Jewish Notion of Liberation-through-Torah
Authors: Ruzer Serge
Published: August 2018

This study focuses on Paul’s ‘liberation language’ in Galatians, re-examining Shlomo Pines’s suggestion that Paul responded to a tendency, attested in later rabbinic sources, to present the Torah as intrinsically linked to true liberty. The study ﬁrst analyses the apostle’s supposed polemical response, with the characteristic motif of the gift of the Spirit – instead of the Torah – as the guarantor of the eschatological freedom; its probable Jewish matrix is also outlined. Further, it is argued that side-by-side with Paul’s Spirit-centered line of argument, a positive appraisal of the Torah-of-freedom concept can also be discerned in Galatians. The epistle thus becomes a witness for the early provenance of that broader Jewish tendency.
The Poetics of Angelic Discourse: Revelation 2–3 and the Songs of the Sabbath Sacriﬁce
Authors: Mizrahi Noam
Published: August 2018

Revelation extensively employs the number seven not only as a symbolic ﬁgure, but also as a structural principle for constructing sevenfold literary units, and yet some speciﬁc aspects of this literary hallmark remain obscure. Among other things, no satisfactory rationale has been found, so far, for the series of proclamations to seven churches of Asia Minor that comprise the literary unit of Rev. 2–3. This mystery, however, can be illuminated (at least to some degree) by reading Revelation against the background of poetic traditions of the Second Temple period. Analysis of a poem included in the Songs of the Sabbath Sacriﬁce – a liturgical composition whose fragmentary copies were discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls – prompts a new solution to the questions posed by Rev. 2–3. At the same time, the comparison also sheds light on some literary peculiarities of the Songs.
Effects of a Comprehensive Performance Improvement Strategy on Postoperative Adverse Events in Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Panuganti Bharat , Qiu Yuqi , Messing Barbara , Lee Gregory , Fakhry Carole , Blanco Raymond , Ha Patrick , Messer Karen , Califano Joseph A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

We aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a multifaceted performance improvement regimen to reduce the incidence of adverse events following a spectrum of head and neck surgical procedures.

Methods

We conducted a chart review of patients who underwent a head and neck procedure between January 1, 2013, and October 30, 2015, at our institution, including 392 patients (450 procedures) before the quality improvement regimen was implemented (October 1, 2013) and 942 patients (1136 procedures) after implementation. Multivariate statistical models were used to investigate the association of clinical parameters and the intervention with postoperative adverse event rate.

Results

The incidence of adverse events decreased from 12.9% to 7.2% (95% CI, 2.46%‐9.38%) after the intervention. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.06‐2.31) and the intervention (ORadj = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.74) were predictive of overall adverse event incidence by univariate and multivariate analyses. Although patient comorbid status, quantified with the Charlson Comorbidity Index, was not found to affect overall adverse event risk, each 1‐point increase in index score was associated with a 17% relative increase (ORadj = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.33) in the odds of a high‐grade adverse event.

Discussion

Comprehensive performance improvement programs can improve perioperative adverse event risk in head and neck surgery. Patient comorbid status and sex are considerations during assessment of the likelihood of high‐grade and overall adverse event risk, respectively.

Implications for Practice

Given the cost of surgical complications, a comprehensive approach to perioperative risk mitigation is warranted.
Congenital Choanal Atresia Repair: An Analysis of Adverse Perioperative Events
Authors: Patel Vijay A. , Ramadan Jad , Carr Michele M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To identify risk factors and determine the perioperative morbidity of infants undergoing congenital choanal atresia (CCA) repair.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the ACS‐NSQIP‐P database (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement–Pediatric).

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients who underwent CCA repair at age ≤365 days at the time of surgery were queried via the ACS‐NSQIP‐P database (2013‐2016) via Current Procedural Terminology code 30540. Analyzed outcomes include age, length of stay, medical comorbidities, operative time, readmission, reoperation, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 168 patients were identified, 70 of which were within the neonatal period. Preoperatively, gastrointestinal disease (P <. 0001), mechanical ventilation (P <. 0001), and oxygen supplementation (P =. 0040) were significantly greater in frequency among neonates. For all children preoperatively, ASA class (P <. 0001), chronic lung disease (P =. 0019), oxygen supplementation (P <. 0001), and prematurity (P =. 0016) had a significant impact on prolonged length of stay. Neonates had a persistent requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation (P <. 0001) and a prolonged length of stay (P <. 00001).

Conclusion

Neonates undergoing CCA repair are more likely to have a persistent requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation and a prolonged length of stay. Recognition of key clinical factors may aid in optimizing perioperative risk assessment, patient counseling, and procedural planning.
Comparative transcriptome of neurons after oxygen–glucose deprivation: Potential differences in neuroprotection versus reperfusion
Authors: Guo Shuzhen , Tjärnlund-Wolf Anna , Deng Wenjun , Tejima-Mandeville Emiri , Lo Lauren J , Xing Changhong , Arai Ken , Ning MingMing , Zhou Yiming , Lo Eng H
Published: August 2018

In the context of ischemic stroke, rescuing neurons can be theoretically achieved with either reperfusion or neuroprotection. Reperfusion works via the rapid restoration of oxygen and glucose delivery. Neuroprotection comprises molecular strategies that seek to block excitotoxicity, oxidative stress or various cell death pathways. Here, we propose the hypothesis that neurons rescued with reperfusion are different from neurons rescued with molecular neuroprotection. Neurons were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and then treated with “in vitro reperfusion” (i.e. energetic rescue via restoration of oxygen and glucose) or Z-VADfmk (to block apoptosis) or MK-801 (to block excitotoxicity). Levels of injury were titrated so that equivalent levels of neuronal salvage were achieved with reperfusion or neuroprotection. Gene arrays showed that OGD significantly altered the transcriptomic profiles of surviving neurons. Pathway analysis confirmed that a large spectrum of metabolic, inflammation, and signaling genes were perturbed. In spite of the fact that equal levels of neuronal salvage were achieved, energetic rescue renormalized the transcriptomic profiles in surviving neurons to a larger degree compared to neuroprotection with either Z-VADfmk or MK-801. These findings suggest that upstream reperfusion may bring salvaged neurons back “closer to normal” compared to downstream molecular neuroprotection.
Primary prostatic extragastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and literature review
Authors: You Yong-hao , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study was performed to discuss the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of primary prostatic extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST).

Methods

The case history data of a patient with an EGIST were analyzed and discussed with a literature review.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with a pelvic tumor, possibly malignant. We ascertained the diagnosis by exploratory surgery and pathological biopsy. The tumor was present in the prostate and infiltrated and pressed against the anterior rectal wall. Pathological biopsy showed that the tumor comprised spindle cells, which were also present at the junction of the tumor and prostate tissue. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD117, DOG-1, CD34, and smooth muscle actin and negative for S100 and desmin; Ki-67LI was about 10%. These results support the diagnosis of primary prostatic EGIST.

Conclusion

The rarity and nonspecific clinical manifestation of prostatic EGIST facilitate misdiagnosis. Diagnosis mainly depends on imaging examination and characteristic histopathological and immunohistochemical features, and GIST must be excluded. Surgery is the main treatment method, and imatinib is suggested for unresectable and malignant EGISTs.
Strengthening occupational therapy practice with communities after traumatic events
Authors: Carra Kylie , Hyett Nerida , Kenny Amanda , Curtin Michael
Published: August 2018

Occupational therapists have immense potential to strengthen their role in supporting communities to recover from collective trauma. After traumatic events, a community-centred practice approach can be used by occupational therapists to improve health, safety, security and wellbeing at a population level. Three strategies to strengthen the role of occupational therapy in this critical area of practice are proposed: (a) work collaboratively with communities to design programmes centred on community strengths and needs; (b) select and use therapeutic occupations to support community recovery; and (c) develop strong networks to enhance community partnerships and sustainability of services.
High dielectric permittivity and low loss of polyvinylidene fluoride filled with carbon additives: Expanded graphite versus reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Deng Wei , Yu Weili , Cui Weiwei , Guo Huachao , Liu Yifan , Zhao Tianqi
Published: August 2018

Polymer dielectric composites with high dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss play an increasing important role for modern electronic and electric industry. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) incorporated with expanded graphite (EG) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared by solution casting and the following hot pressing. The structure, morphology, and properties of the obtained products were characterized. In comparison with EG, rGO exhibits well dispersion and strong interaction with PVDF matrix. With the increasing content of conductive fillers, the dielectric permittivity of both PVDF/EG and PVDF/rGO composites shows an increasing trend whereas the dielectric loss keeps at a low level. The dielectric permittivity of PVDF filled with 4 wt% EG and 8 wt% rGO reaches 420 and 38 at 100 Hz, respectively. Moreover, the introduction of EG and rGO improves the mechanical strength and the thermal stability of PVDF matrix.
Friction reduction performance of microstructured surfaces generated by nonresonant modulation cutting
Authors: Yeung Chi Shing , Yang Yang , Du Hanheng , Wang Jianjian , Guo Ping
Published: August 2018

Microstructured surfaces can reduce friction force between two contact pairs in relative motion under hydrodynamic contact. In this study, we evaluate the friction reduction performance of microdimpled surfaces with different cross-sectional profiles generated by nonresonant modulation cutting. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was conducted to simulate the friction reduction effect between surfaces with lubricants. An elliptical modulation texturing method is introduced based on a two-dimensional nonresonant vibration tool, which could generate adjustable high-frequency elliptical tool trajectories. Different dimpled surfaces were generated using three types of tool trajectories. Their influence on the friction reduction and load-carrying capacity were experimentally studied and evaluated by comparing the simulation and experimental results.
NUT (Nuclear Protein in Testis) Carcinoma: A Report of Two Cases With Different Histopathologic Features
Authors: Reddy Rekha , Woods Tina R. , Allan Robert W. , Malhotra Paras , Mehta Hiren J. , Sarkar Pralay K. , Boyce Brian J. , Asirvatham Jaya R.
Published: August 2018

NUT (nuclear protein in testis) carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive carcinoma characterized by rearrangements of the NUT gene on chromosome 15q14. Histologically, it is a poorly differentiated carcinoma composed of monotonous, medium-sized, round cells with scant amphophilic or eosinophilic cytoplasm. Foci of abrupt keratinization are often seen. In this report, we compare the morphology of 2 cases of NC. The first case shows characteristic features of uniform, round epithelioid cells admixed with foci of abrupt keratinization. The second case demonstrates nests of epithelioid-polygonal cells that appear to be loosely cribriform within a mucoid stroma. Although considered rare, the actual incidence of NC may be underestimated, as it is likely that many go undiagnosed because the morphology deviates from what is typical. Our report demonstrates that NC should always be considered in any case of an undifferentiated carcinoma and should not be excluded if typical histologic and immunohistochemical features of squamous differentiation are lacking.
Youla parameterized adaptive vibration suppression with adaptive notch filter for unknown multiple narrow band disturbances
Authors: Wu Zhizheng , Zhang Maotong , Chen Zhenyou , Wang Pei
Published: August 2018

The vibration caused by the multiple narrow band disturbances exists widely in the mechanical systems. In this paper, a Youla parameterized adaptive control approach is introduced for the rejection of unknown multiple narrow band disturbances. The adaptive notch filter weighted Q (Youla) parameter is adopted to the online internal model principle-based regulator, so that the disturbances can be fully attenuated and the robustness of the closed-loop system is improved. A central controller is first designed to obtain the desired baseline loop shape. Then, the controller is augmented by a notch filter weighted Q parameter to construct a series of stable controllers and the Q parameter in the stable controllers is tuned online to obtain the desired controller. The adaptive control method is applied in a data storage system to attenuate the flying height vibration and the experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in rejecting unknown multiple narrow band disturbances.
Olive leaf extracts for shelf life extension of salmon burgers
Authors: Khemakhem Ibtihel , Fuentes Ana , Lerma-García María Jesús , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Bouaziz Mohamed , Barat José Manuel
Published: August 2018

In this work, the effect of the addition of olive leaf extracts on the quality of vacuum-packed salmon burgers stored at 4 ℃ during 16 days has been studied. Olive leaf extract and its hydrolysate were initially characterized and then incorporated to salmon burgers. A shelf life study was conducted in three different batches (control, olive leaf extract, and hydrolyzed olive leaf extract burgers). Among the chemical indices determined, total volatile base nitrogen values were lower in hydrolyzed olive leaf extract and olive leaf extract burgers than in control samples. Lipid oxidation was lower in salmon burger with olive leaf extract. Salmon mince treated with hydrolyzed olive leaf extract showed lower microbial counts during the whole study, which extended the shelf life of the fish product. Therefore, the potential of olive leaf extracts to preserve salmon burgers during cold storage has been demonstrated.
Extending the global reliability sensitivity analysis to the systems under double-stochastic uncertainty
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Gao Hangshan , Zhou Changcong
Published: August 2018

Systems with random variables and random excitations exist widely in various engineering problems. Extending the traditional global reliability sensitivity to this double-stochastic system has important guiding significance for its design optimization. However, because there is a certain coupling between the randomness of variables and the randomness of excitation, this coupling mechanism is difficult to determine in practical projects. Therefore, it is difficult to extend the traditional reliability sensitivity analysis method to this double-stochastic system. In this research, it is assumed that there is no correlation between variables and excitations. Then, combining the first-passage method–based dynamic strength formula and the variance-based sensitivity analysis method, an approximate global reliability sensitivity analysis method for this double-stochastic system is proposed. In order to improve the computational efficiency, a nested loop method based on seven-point estimation is proposed for reliability sensitivity analysis. In order to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method, a Monte Carlo simulation is given as a reference. Three examples are studied and discussed to illustrate the practicality and feasibility of the proposed method.
A new approach toward damage localization and quantification of structures under changing temperature condition
Authors: Soo Lon Wah William , Chen Yung-Tsang
Published: August 2018

Most damage detection methods developed in the literature cannot give the locations and extent of damages under the presence of varying temperature condition. This is because temperature condition changes the vibration properties of a structure, which are commonly analyzed for damage detection, and temperature gradient throughout the structure makes it difficult to create a baseline for the undamaged structure, as the baseline is generally constructed using features obtained under a wide range of temperature conditions. In this paper, a new insight on how to approach damage detection using only a single temperature condition to create the baseline is proposed. This approach solves the damage detection under changing temperature problem in two stages by first quantifying the change of stiffness of all the elements in a structure due to temperature and damage effects, followed by removing the temperature effect, a global effect, to give the actual damage locations and extent. Using single temperature condition allows new measurements to be compared to a benchmark so that local deviation can be obtained, thus making the damaged elements identifiable. The proposed approach is tested using a beam structure model and a shear building under different gradient temperature conditions, and the results demonstrate that the method successfully eliminates the change in elemental stiffness due to temperature effect and gives correct damage locations and extent. The approach can be implemented with other existing damage detection methods that did not consider the effect of temperature so that structures under varying temperature condition can be analyzed.
Ethical decision-making in internet research – Investigating protest groups against Child Welfare Services on Facebook
Authors: Stang Edda
Published: August 2018

At a time when both extensive international and national protest and criticisms are directed toward the Norwegian Child Welfare Services, it is of great interest to researchers to gain insight into the viewpoints presented in protest groups on social media. The paper aims to give insight into the ethical judgement involved in research on digital communities where it is difficult to decide whether certain material is public or not. In addition, the paper reflects on the social consequences of understanding some participants as vulnerable versus understanding them as citizens, in a social work/child protection context on social media. A considerable amount of literature focuses on ethical questions in Internet research. There is also literature on the ethical considerations connected to resistance and protest groups on social media. There is, however, less existing research about the ethical decision-making within the field of social work, child protection and client protests on the Internet. This paper analyses certain experiences from a qualitative research project regarding Facebook groups protesting Child Welfare Services in Norway. The paper concludes that in some social media research contexts, as the one presented here, taking extra care to anonymize participants in publications is sufficient to secure privacy, and covert collection of data is possible without jeopardizing ethical guidelines. Further, by developing practical ethical judgement, we can – in some social work contexts – avoid putting people into categories like “vulnerable” and instead approach the participants in public Facebook groups as citizens with socio-political opinions.
“Not Only for a Celebration of Competitive Overwatch but Also for National Pride”: Sportificating the Overwatch World Cup 2016
Authors: Turtiainen Riikka , Friman Usva , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: August 2018

While the most popular forms of organized competitive digital gaming, also known as eSports, have begun finding their place within and in relation to both mainstream entertainment culture and the field of traditional sports, their history is one of struggling to be accepted as “true sports.” Partly because of this history, great effort has been put into the sportification of eSports by presenting competitions in familiar ways adapted from traditional sports. In this article, we examine the process of sportification of eSports in the context of tournament broadcasts. We analyze the Overwatch World Cup 2016 tournament, comparing its final broadcast to the 2014 FIFA World Cup’s final broadcast, looking for similarities and differences in the areas of broadcast structure, commentary and expertise, game presentation, game highlights and acknowledgments, teams and players, and audience.
Pathogenic Factors Associated With Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Adolescent Male Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Watanabe Hiroyuki , Fujii Meguru , Yoshimoto Masumi , Abe Hiroshi , Toda Naruaki , Higashiyama Reiji , Takahira Naonobu
Published: August 2018

Background:

A previous cross-sectional study reported that pathogenic factors associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) in adolescent athletes include increased quadriceps muscle tightness, lower leg malalignment, and development of apophysitis in the tibial tuberosity.

Purpose:

To confirm these pathogenic factors associated with OSD in a longitudinal study with regard to physical function and performance.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

In this study, 37 boys (mean age, 10.2 ± 0.4 years) were recruited from 2 soccer teams at an elementary school. This cohort study was conducted over an observation period of 1 year, with measurements recorded at baseline, followed by screening for OSD every 6 months. Variables evaluated at baseline included physical function (morphometry, joint flexibility, and lower extremity alignment), presence of Sever disease, and kicking motion.

Results:

Pathogenic factors associated with OSD in the support leg of adolescent male soccer players included height, weight, body mass index, quadriceps femoris muscle tightness in the kicking and support legs, and gastrocnemius muscle tightness, soleus muscle tightness, and medial longitudinal arch in the support leg. Additional factors included a diagnosis of Sever disease and distance from the lateral malleolus of the support leg’s fibula to the center of gravity during kicking.

Conclusion:

The onset of OSD was found to be affected by many factors, including developmental stage, physical attributes, and pre-existing apophysitis. In particular, a diagnosis of Sever disease and backward shifting of the center of gravity during kicking increased the risk of the subsequent onset of OSD, suggesting that these factors are very important as a possible focus for interventions.
The Impact of Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Status on Physical Functioning Across the Life Course
Authors: Noppert Grace A. , Brown Candace S. , Chanti-Ketterl Marianne , Hall Katherine S. , Newby L. Kristin , Cohen Harvey Jay , Morey Miriam C.
Published: August 2018

Objective: We used the Physical Performance Across the LifeSpan Study to investigate the relationships of multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), both in early life and late life, with physical function. Method: We examined associations between multiple early and late life SES indicators with physical function measured by aerobic endurance, gait speed, and lower body strength. Results: Higher participant education and household income were associated with increased physical function. In our age-stratified analysis, we observed widening SES disparities with increasing age among those in the two younger strata with lower SES associated with worse physical function. Finally, we observed an association between socioeconomic trend and gait speed, aerobic endurance, and lower body strength. There was also an association between lower aerobic endurance and being in a downward socioeconomic trend. Discussion: These findings highlight the significance of considering multiple dimensions of the social environment as important correlates of physical functioning across the life course.
Heavy-tailed distributions for building stock data
Authors: Bradley Patrick Erik , Behnisch Martin
Published: August 2018

The question of inferring the owner of a set of building stocks (e.g. from which country the buildings are taken) from building-related quantities like number of buildings or types of building event histories necessitates the knowledge of their distributions in order to compare them. If the distribution function is a power law, then a version of the 80/20 rule can be applied to describe the variable. This distribution is an example of a heavy-tailed distribution; another example is the log-normal distribution. Heavy-tailed distributions have the property that studying the effects of the few large values already yields most of the overall effect of the whole quantity. For example, if reducing the CO2 emissions of the buildings of a country is the issue, then in case of a heavy-tailed distribution, only the effects of the relatively few large cities need to be considered. It is shown that the number of buildings in German municipalities or counties or the number of building-related event histories of a certain vanished building stock follow a heavy-tailed distribution and give evidence for the type of underlying distribution. The methodology used is a recent statistical framework for discerning power law and other heavy-tailed distributions in empirical data.
Long-term disease control of Langerhans cell histiocytosis using combined BRAF and MEK inhibition
Authors: Awada Gil , Seremet Teofila , Fostier Karel , Everaert Hendrik , Neyns Bart
Published: August 2018

Key Points

Treatment with a BRAF and MEK inhibitor can achieve a sustained response in BRAFV600-mutant Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Detection of plasma BRAFV600-mutant circulating tumor DNA is a promising biomarker for monitoring disease activity in this entity.
Consequences of rock layers and interfaces on hydraulic fracturing and well production of unconventional reservoirs
Authors: Rho Seounghyun , Suarez-Rivera Roberto , Noynaert Samuel
Published: August 2018

Hydraulic fracturing is a fundamental condition for economic production of hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs. Hydrocarbon production is proportional to the propped surface area that is in contact with the reservoir and remains connected to the wellbore. Yet, the propped surface area controlling production appears to be considerably smaller than the surface area created during pumping. Somehow hydraulic fractures are disconnected, truncated, and reduced during production. One important mechanism causing this segmentation is the shear displacement of weak interfaces between rock layers. Shear stresses are generated in response to abrupt changes in material properties and changes in bed orientation, in relation to the orientation of the existing principal stresses. If the layered rocks are strongly laterally heterogeneous, they provide a high potential for shear failures and fracture segmentation along the interfaces between layers. The induced shear stress and shear slip also depend on the current geologic structure and following in situ stress loading, the stress alteration and fluid leakoff during hydraulic fracturing, and the existence of wells. We conducted numerical simulations using the finite-element method on layered and discontinuous rocks, and specifically in organic-rich mudstones and carbonate sequences. Our work was part of a field study. Three different layered rock models were simulated and compared: laterally homogeneous, laterally heterogeneous, and strongly laterally heterogeneous. For the latter, the heterogeneity was introduced by randomly varying the elastic rock properties of each layer. Our results indicate that localized shear stresses develop along interfaces between materials with contrasting properties and along the wellbore walls. This includes the generation of localized shear in planes that were principal in the homogeneous model. It was also seen that rock shear and slip, along interfaces between layers, may occur when the planes of weakness are pressurized (e.g., during hydraulic fracturing).
CNS Response to Osimertinib Versus Standard Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Untreated EGFR-Mutated Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Reungwetwattana Thanyanan , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Cho Byoung Chul , Cobo Manuel , Cho Eun Kyung , Bertolini Alessandro , Bohnet Sabine , Zhou Caicun , Lee Ki Hyeong , Nogami Naoyuki , Okamoto Isamu , Leighl Natasha , Hodge Rachel , McKeown Astrid , Brown Andrew P. , Rukazenkov Yuri , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Vansteenkiste Johan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

We report CNS efficacy of osimertinib versus standard epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with untreated EGFR-mutated advanced non–small-cell lung cancer from the phase III FLAURA study.

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 556) were randomly assigned to osimertinib or standard EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib or erlotinib); brain scans were not mandated unless clinically indicated. Patients with asymptomatic or stable CNS metastases were included. In patients with symptomatic CNS metastases, neurologic status was required to be stable for ≥ 2 weeks after completion of definitive therapy and corticosteroids. A preplanned subgroup analysis with CNS progression-free survival as primary objective was conducted in patients with measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesions on baseline brain scan by blinded independent central neuroradiologic review. The CNS evaluable-for-response set included patients with ≥ one measurable CNS lesion.

Results

Of 200 patients with available brain scans at baseline, 128 (osimertinib, n = 61; standard EGFR-TKIs, n = 67) had measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesions, including 41 patients (osimertinib, n = 22; standard EGFR-TKIs, n = 19) with ≥ one measurable CNS lesion. Median CNS progression-free survival in patients with measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesions was not reached with osimertinib (95% CI, 16.5 months to not calculable) and 13.9 months (95% CI, 8.3 months to not calculable) with standard EGFR-TKIs (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.86; P = .014 [nominally statistically significant]). CNS objective response rates were 91% and 68% in patients with ≥ one measurable CNS lesion (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 0.9 to 34.9; P = .066) and 66% and 43% in patients with measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesions (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.2; P = .011) treated with osimertinib and standard EGFR-TKIs, respectively. Probability of experiencing a CNS progression event was consistently lower with osimertinib versus standard EGFR-TKIs.

Conclusion

Osimertinib has CNS efficacy in patients with untreated EGFR-mutated non–small-cell lung cancer. These results suggest a reduced risk of CNS progression with osimertinib versus standard EGFR-TKIs.
Hydroxycarbamide Plus Aspirin Versus Aspirin Alone in Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia Age 40 to 59 Years Without High-Risk Features
Authors: Godfrey Anna L. , Campbell Peter J. , MacLean Cathy , Buck Georgina , Cook Julia , Temple Julie , Wilkins Bridget S. , Wheatley Keith , Nangalia Jyoti , Grinfeld Jacob , McMullin Mary Frances , Forsyth Cecily , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Green Anthony R. , Harrison Claire N. ,   on behalf of the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Primary Thrombocythemia-1 Study,   the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Subgroup,   the French Intergroup of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms,   and the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Cytoreductive therapy is beneficial in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) at high risk of thrombosis. However, its value in those lacking high-risk features remains unknown. This open-label, randomized trial compared hydroxycarbamide plus aspirin with aspirin alone in patients with ET age 40 to 59 years and without high-risk factors or extreme thrombocytosis.

Patients and Methods

Patients were age 40 to 59 years and lacked a history of ischemia, thrombosis, embolism, hemorrhage, extreme thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥ 1,500 × 109/L), hypertension, or diabetes requiring therapy. In all, 382 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to hydroxycarbamide plus aspirin or aspirin alone. The composite primary end point was time to arterial or venous thrombosis, serious hemorrhage, or death from vascular causes. Secondary end points were time to first arterial or venous thrombosis, first serious hemorrhage, death, incidence of transformation, and patient-reported quality of life.

Results

After a median follow-up of 73 months and a total follow-up of 2,373 patient-years, there was no significant difference between the arms in the likelihood of patients reaching the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.42 to 2.25; P = 1.0). The incidence of significant vascular events was low, at 0.93 per 100 patient-years (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.41). There were also no differences in overall survival; in the composite end point of transformation to myelofibrosis, acute myeloid leukemia, or myelodysplasia; in adverse events; or in patient-reported quality of life.

Conclusion

In patients with ET age 40 to 59 years and lacking high-risk factors for thrombosis or extreme thrombocytosis, preemptive addition of hydroxycarbamide to aspirin did not reduce vascular events, myelofibrotic transformation, or leukemic transformation. Patients age 40 to 59 years without other clinical indications for treatment (such as previous thrombosis or hemorrhage) who have a platelet count < 1,500 × 109/L should not receive cytoreductive therapy.
“Greater Still in Death”: Race, Martyrology, and the Reanimation of Juan Placido
Authors: Boutelle R. J.
Published: August 2018

This article details how John Greenleaf Whittier accidentally assumed two different Cuban poets of color (Juan Francisco Manzano and Plácido) were one and the same person, resulting in an unwittingly combinatory sketch of “Juan Placido.” The resulting syncretic personage in Whittier’s “The Black Man” (1845) became a cause célèbre for abolitionists. I argue that to effectively persuade his white Northern audience, Whittier rewrote his source texts into the sentimental registers of moral suasion and culturally decontextualized Juan Placido, transforming the “Cuban martyr poet” into a transnational race man. In the essay’s second half, I demonstrate how Martin R. Delany’s Blake (1859, 1861–62) readapted Whittier’s account to appeal to black radical abolitionists. By literarily resurrecting Juan Placido as an active revolutionary in the serial novel’s plot, Delany articulated not only a sophisticated theory of diasporic collaboration but also meditated on the stakes of fighting for black liberation by repeatedly employing accounts of black martyrdom.
Abject Performances
Authors: Alvarado Leticia
Published: August 2018

In Abject Performances Leticia Alvarado draws out the irreverent, disruptive aesthetic strategies used by Latino artists and cultural producers who shun standards of respectability that are typically used to conjure concrete minority identities. In place of works imbued with pride, redemption, or celebration, artists such as Ana Mendieta, Nao Bustamante, and the Chicano art collective known as Asco employ negative affects—shame, disgust, and unbelonging—to capture experiences that lie at the edge of the mainstream, inspirational Latino-centered social justice struggles. Drawing from a diverse expressive archive that ranges from performance art to performative testimonies of personal faith-based subjection, Alvarado illuminates modes of community formation and social critique defined by a refusal of identitarian coherence that nonetheless coalesce into Latino affiliation and possibility.
Planar cell polarity: the prickle gene acts independently on both the Ds/Ft and the Stan/Fz systems
Authors: Casal José , Ibáñez-Jiménez Beatriz , Lawrence Peter A.
Published: August 2018

Epithelial cells are polarised within the plane of the epithelium, forming oriented structures that have a coordinated and consistent polarity (planar cell polarity, PCP). In Drosophila, at least two separate molecular systems generate and interpret intercellular polarity signals: Dachsous/Fat, and the ‘core’ or Starry night/Frizzled system. Here, we study the prickle gene and its protein products Prickle and Spiny leg. Much research on PCP has focused on the asymmetric localisation of core proteins in the cell and as a result prickle was placed in the heart of the Starry night/Frizzled system. We investigate whether this view is correct and how the prickle gene relates to the two systems. We find that prickle can affect, separately, both systems; however, neither Prickle nor Spiny leg are essential components of the Dachsous/Fat or the Starry night/Frizzled system, nor do they act as a functional link between the two systems.
Target the Ego or Target the Group: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment in Proactive Churn Management
Authors: Godinho de Matos Miguel , Pedro Ferreira , Rodrigo Belo
Published: August 2018

We propose a new strategy for proactive churn management that actively uses social network information to retain consumers.
O ESTADO DE COISAS INCONSTITUCIONAL E AS ÁREAS URBANAS CONSOLIDADAS: ENTRE A DESCARACTERIZAÇÃO DO MEIO AMBIENTE E A RESTAURAÇÃO
Authors: Borges Luiz Fernando Rossetti , Ziesemer Henrique Da Rosa
Published: August 2018

O trabalho vertente objetiva examinar o estado de coisas inconstitucional, que recentemente vem sendo incorporado em discussões jurídicas no País. Amplamente aplicado em outros países latinoamericanos, tais como Colômbia, Argentina e Peru, o instituto ora estudado será objeto de julgamento pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal, na arguição de descumprimento de preceito fundamental n. 347, que pretende (i) seja declarado o estado de coisas inconstitucional do sistema carcerário brasileiro; e (ii) seja determinado à União que elabore e encaminhe à Suprema Corte um plano nacional que objetive a superação da situação carcerária no país.O que se pretende investigar é a possibilidade da declaração do estado de coisas inconstitucional sobre a questão ambiental em seu aspecto artificial ou urbanístico, calcado na persistência dos desastres ambientais que grassam cotidianamente, provocados pela (i)legal ocupação em áreas urbanas. Ademais, a consolidação urbanística vai de encontro à necessidade de restauração dos processos ecológicos, tal como preconizado pela Constituição se não houver efetivo melhoramento ou recuperação ambientais.Para tanto, algumas medidas poderiam ser tomadas com fundamento no instituto do estado de coisas inconstitucional, notadamente para instar aos outros Poderes medidas efetivas para a restauração dos processos ecológicos.Utilizar-se-á o método dedutivo, buscando elementos legais, doutrinários e jurisprudenciais.
LEVANTES: PARA UMA ABORDAGEM ESTÉTICA DA POLÍTICA
Authors: Mendes Alexandre F.
Published: August 2018

O ano de 2018 está marcado por uma coincidência cronológica que trouxe o tema dos levantes para o centro da discussão política e acadêmica. É nele que a memória dos 50 anos do grande ciclo de Maio de 1968, já inscrita em uma certa longa duração, encontra a lembrança viva e recente dos 05 anos de Junho de 2013, cujas repercussões são ainda incertas e enigmáticas. Neste artigo, sustento que as várias dimensões e os vários “mundos” contidos nos levantes reclamam uma relação entre estética e política que não pode ser limitada a mais uma visão sobre o ciclo de revoltas. Pelo contrário, trata-se de compreender como os próprios pontos de vistas lançados por dentro do acontecimento arrastam a nossa percepção e reclamam, não apenas novas formas de pensar, mas, principalmente, novos modos de existir.
Electroflotation of Escherichia coli Improves Detection Rates by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Diaz Lena Michelle , Jenkins Daniel , Kubota Ryo , Walter Natalie , Li Yong , McNealy Tamara
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The power of portable molecular diagnostic systems for detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food and environmental samples is largely limited by small assay volumes (typically 1 to 5 µL), making direct detection of trace contamination (i.e., <104 CFU mL-1) unreliable. To improve detection limits for pathogens dispersed on an ecological scale, we developed a portable point-of-care (POC) sample preparation system using electroflotation (EF) to recover small quantities of these organisms from samples of hundreds of milliliters. Electrolysis reactions, supported on platinum-coated titanium electrodes, generate hydrogen and oxygen microbubbles that impel and displace suspended cells into a recovered concentrate. Samples were prepared by inoculating 380 mL of sterilized phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 6.6) with stock culture of ATCC 25922 to final concentrations ranging from 102 to 104 CFU mL-1. Samples were subjected to 10, 15, and 20 min durations of EF treatment under high and low turbulence conditions. We used a loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) assay with primers targeting a single-copy gene (glycerate kinase) in generic to evaluate the effects of EF treatment on concentration and recovery of detectable cell material. LAMP failed to detect in all untreated (control) samples at concentrations below 104 CFU mL-1 but was able to detect in 102 CFU mL-1 samples subjected to various conditions of EF treatment. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in detection rates between EF treatment durations for both high (p = 0.0019) and low turbulence (p = 0.002). Dunnett’s multiple comparison tests identified five process conditions resulting in significant (p < 0.05) differences in detection between treatments and the control. Keywords: Biotechnology, Electrolysis, Food pathogens, Microbubbles, Molecular diagnostics, Pathogen detection, POC sample preparation.